- Recruitment of African Soldiers: During World War I, European powers recruited millions of African soldiers to fight in the war, often through forced conscription. This led to widespread resentment among Africans, who felt that they were being used as cannon fodder for European conflicts.
- Broken Promises: Many African soldiers were promised land, money, and other benefits in exchange for their service. However, after the war, these promises were often not fulfilled, leading to further resentment.
- Increased Colonial Exploitation: The war led to increased economic exploitation of African colonies, as European powers sought to extract resources to support their war efforts. This further impoverished African communities and added to their resentment of colonial rule.
World War II
- Continued Military Recruitment: During World War II, African soldiers were again recruited to fight for European powers, despite their negative experiences in World War I. This renewed conscription only deepened resentment among Africans.
- Heightened Nationalist Movements: The war contributed to the rise of nationalist movements in Africa, as Africans became increasingly aware of their own political power and began to demand independence from colonial rule.
- Allied Propaganda: Allied propaganda during World War II portrayed Africans as inferior and in need of European guidance, which further fueled resentment and contributed to the growing demand for self-determination.