Chapter4:

Various historiographical viewpoints, particularly those focusing on colonialism and the trans-Saharan trade, have influenced the study of West African written history. Some historians have argued that the region’s history was defined primarily by the slave trade and the colonial era. In contrast, others have emphasised the trans-Saharan trade as the primary factor shaping the region’s historical trajectory. This chapter aims to evaluate these conflicting viewpoints of a wide selection of Historians and writers and contrast them with each other.

When discussing West African history, the historiography surrounding colonialism and the trans-Saharan trade is often marred by discrepancies. One of the main discrepancies is the interpretation of how colonialism affected West Africa’s economic development. Certain historians assert that colonisation has had a beneficial effect on the region’s economic development in particular. In contrast, certain historians argue that it is quite the opposite and has had an extremely detrimental effect. By creating a secure environment for trade and investment, colonialism, in this case, according to A.G. Hopkins, “played a significant role in promoting economic growth in West Africa.” Other historians, like Walter Rodney, contend that colonisation hampered the economic advancement of West Africa by encouraging the export of raw materials and undermining domestic industries. Some historians have emphasised colonialism’s destructive effects, contending that it led to the upheaval of conventional social, economic, and political systems. For instance, Walter Rodney asserts, “The slave trade destroyed the economic basis of African societies and then uprooted and replaced by colonialism” (Rodney, 2018). Rodney further contends that colonialism resulted in the exploitation of African resources and the subordination of African people to European interests. However, certain historians maintain their argument that colonialism had benefits, especially in terms of modernisation/industrialisation and growth. In his book The British in West Africa, A.H.M. Kirk-Greene’s thesis claims that “British peace brought peace and stability to the region and introduced new technologies and modes of governance.” (Kirk-Greene, 2014, p. 102). Kirk-Greene also contends that colonialism brought about the integration of West Africa into the global economy, which in turn stimulated economic growth and development. Similarly, the trans-Saharan trade is often portrayed differently in West African historiography. Some scholars assert that the trade network encouraged the development of more powerful West African states and empires. In contrast, others argue that it was to blame for the Tran was a politician, political thinker, and revolutionary from Ghana who lived from 21 September 1909 to 27 April 1972. He led the Gold Coast to independence from Britain in 1957, becoming Ghana’s first prime minister and president.a wellknown proponent of pan-Africanism

Saharan slave trade, which had disastrous repercussions for the area. For instance, in his book, “The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality,” Cheikh Anta Diop argues that the trans-Saharan trade was responsible for the rise of powerful West African states such as the Ghana Empire, Mali Empire, and Songhai Empire. Other scholars, like Basil Davidson, contend that the trans-Saharan trade made the transatlantic slave trade possible for Europeans. Historians suggest that this trade significantly impacted the region’s history by enabling the movement of goods, concepts, and enslaved people. It linked West Africa to the Mediterranean and Middle East. John Wright claims in his book The Trans-Saharan Slave Trade that “the transSaharan trade was the backbone of West African societies.” This provided a vital source of wealth and enabled powerful kingdoms such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai to emerge (Wright 2007:4).

Some historians have disputed this hypothesis and made the case that trans-Saharan commerce may not have been as significant as once believed.

In his book Africa in World History, Erik Gilbert argues that “other factors, such as the Niger River and the Atlantic Ocean, were equally important in shaping the region’s history” (Gilbert, 2017,). Gilbert also contends that the emphasis on the trans-Saharan trade has led to a neglect of other important aspects of West African history.

Kwame Nkrumah and Franz Fanon were two well-known African intellectuals who significantly influenced African political and historical events in the middle of the 20th century. The ideologies of Nkrumah and Fanon also offer contrasting perspectives on the impact of colonialism on West Africa. Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, was a PanAfricanist who pushed for establishing an African socialist state to advance unification and independence from colonialism. Nkrumah also believed, “” in his book Africa Must Unify. In addition, he believes that “only socialism can industrialise Africa,” so the African movement must be socialist. (Nkrumah 1963:3). Nkrumah believed that African unity was essential for developing the continent and eradicating poverty and underdevelopment. Nkrumah also believed that colonialism was a system of oppression and exploitation that devastated African societies. He truly believed that colonisation was the leading cause of Africa’s underdevelopment and that opposition to it was a crucial step Africans needed to take. Conversely, the decolonisation movement argued that colonialism’s effects extended beyond economic exploitation. It led to psychological alienation and cultural loss of colonised people. Fanon played a significant role in this fight against colonialism. Fanon argues in his book “The Wretched of the Earth” that “decolonisation is always a violent phenomenon” and that revolutionary violence is the only means of releasing colonialism’s psychological hold.

FIGURE 21 Dr.

Nevertheless, similar the Nkrumah’s last point, Fanon deemed that colonialism was a dehumanising system that reduced the colonised people to objects. Fanon suggested that the only way to overcome the effects of colonialism was through a complete decolonisation of the mind and society.

Significant differences in opinions regarding the trans-Saharan trade and colonialism characterise the historiography of West Africa. Some historians emphasise how vital the trans-Saharan trade is to West Africa’s current global standing and argue that colonialism was a mixed blessing. Other historians believe colonialism was a system of oppression and exploitation, and the significance of the trans-Saharan trade has been wildly exaggerated. Kwame Nkrumah and Franz Fanon’s ideologies reflect the latter view, emphasising the need to resist and overcome the adverse effects of colonialism on African societies.