The Social Science Library » Senghor’s Rise to Power 1948-1951: Early Roots of French Sub-Saharan Decolonisation

Senghor’s Rise to Power 1948-1951: Early Roots of French Sub-Saharan Decolonisation

Author(s)	Kras, Stefan
Abstract	In contrast with what transpired in Algeria and Southeast Asia, French efforts at decolonization in western Africa appear to have been relatively trouble-free. Most attempts at accounting for this have focused on developments in France, but an alternative is offered here. Senegalese leader LÃƒÂ©opold Senghor’s struggle to secure French recognition of his political party, the Bloc DÃƒÂ©mocratique SÃƒÂ©nÃƒÂ©galais, illustrates how African nationalists helped to shape the structures and determine the terms which would later underpin French decolonization in the region. Senghor’s success in making the most of opportunities afforded by the Fourth Republic meant that African nationalists could reasonably expect reforms while remaining within the French political system. Consequently there was less pressure for immediate independence, which in turn reduced the potential for violent confrontation.
IssueNo	1
Pages	91-113
Article	Access to Article
Source	Itinerario
VolumeNo	23
PubDate	1999
ISBN_ISSN	0165-1153
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Senghor’s Rise to Power 1948-1951: Early Roots of French Sub-Saharan Decolonisation