(a) What is Nationalist Movement? (b) Highlight five effects of nationalist activities in British West Africa.

(a) Nationalist Movement

A nationalist movement is an organised, collective struggle by the indigenous people of a country to resist foreign or colonial rule and to win political independence, self-government and control over their own affairs. In British West Africa it took the form of political parties, the press, unions and pressure groups agitating for freedom from colonial domination.

(b) Five effects of nationalist activities in British West Africa

1. Attainment of independence: Nationalist agitation eventually forced Britain to grant self-government and independence to the West African colonies.
2. Constitutional reforms: The pressure of nationalists led to a series of constitutional changes that progressively widened African representation and participation in government.
3. Growth of political parties: Nationalist activities gave rise to organised political parties which mobilised the people and formed the basis of post-independence politics.
4. Political awareness and unity: The movements awakened political consciousness among the people and fostered a spirit of unity and common purpose across ethnic lines.
5. Expansion of education and the press: Nationalists promoted education and established newspapers that enlightened the people and became powerful instruments of the struggle.
6. Rise of indigenous leadership: The struggle threw up a generation of African leaders who took over the reins of government after independence.