“Nationalist movements were the main factor in the achievement of independence in French West Africa.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of opinions relating to the role of nationalist movements in the achievement of independence in French West Africa. Candidates may mention the significance of trade unionism, communism and student groups in the early growth of nationalism. They may stress the role of nationalist leaders such as Leopold Senghor—a proponent of a federal post-independence structure that would maintain the territorial integrity of French West Africa and retain strong links to Paris—who was instrumental in persuading the French to accelerate the decolonization process. Candidates may also mention Sékou Touré, who persuaded Guineans to vote against the proposed French Community and thus precipitated the breakup of French West Africa. Candidates may also discuss other factors in the achievement of independence, including the willingness of the French to encourage nationalist movements by offering self-rule and eventually full independence.