The main features of proto-nationalism
Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 3 December 2016 / No comments
Definition of Nationalism
Nationalism can be described as the African’s quest to free
his country from the influence and domination of colonial rule and to become an
independent state. Nationalism is classified into two; Proto-nationalism and
Modern-nationalism.
Proto-nationalism refers to the activities geared
toward inclusiveness in the administration of the colonies before the
commencement of the Second World War. Modern-nationalism
on the other hand refers to the quest, after the Second World War, for the
absolute removal of colonial rule and the granting of independence.
FEATURES OF
PROTO-NATIONALIST MOVEMENT
Leadership
One of the features of the Proto-nationalist movement was
that its leadership was not limited to any one party. It was led by a host of
them. This included the National Congress of British West Africa and the
Aborigines Rights Protection Society.
It was non-violent
Another feature of the Proto-nationalist movement was that it
adopted non-violent approach to its agitation. It used the structures and channels
that were available, at the time, to push for its demands. For example, they
sent petitions to the Secretary of State for the Colonies who resided in London
to press home for the withdrawal of the Land Bill of 1897.
No demand for independence
The Proto-nationalists did not demand for the independence of
their respective countries, rather they were interested in the improvement of
their lot under colonial administration. For example, they demanded for the
representation of Africans in the executive Council since there were none. They
also demanded for the increment in the number of Africans in the legislative
Council.
It was urban based
The membership of the Proto-nationalist movement was limited
to the urban areas of the various colonies. They did not extend to the rural
areas. For example, in the Gold Coast, the activities of the proto-nationalists
were limited to Accra, Cape Coast and Sekondi-Takoradi. In Nigeria, it was
mainly in Lagos and a few cities.
Membership
The membership of the Proto-nationalists was mainly the
educated professionals like lawyers, teachers and journalists. There were also
some business men who joined them in pushing for their goals. One can conclude
that it was elitist in character.
Excluded chiefs
Another feature of Proto-nationalism was that the traditional
chiefs did not play any role. They were conspicuously absent. This was so
because the chiefs were also engaged in the implementation of Indirect Rule and
therefore did not see the need to joint in the fight against their own masters.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. a. What is Proto-nationalism? [2 marks]
b. Highlight five
features Proto-nationalism. [10 marks]
2. Explain six characteristics of the nationalist activities
that were practiced before the Second World War. [12 marks]
