Evaluate the factors that contributed to Senegalese independence to 1960.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of the factors that contributed to the achievement of Senegalese independence. Possible factors are: the sentiment for decolonization in the UN placed pressure on colonial powers; decolonization in British West Africa provided a model and the painful French experience in Algeria encouraged support for decolonization. Other factors may include the growth of political parties and emergence of leaders seeking independence in French colonies such as Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire and the existence of moderate leaders in Senegal such as Leopold Senghor. The desire by Senegal and other colonies to retain links with France made the granting of independence more likely. Candidates may note that in Senegal, pressure for independence was limited but it received its independence as part of a decision by France to grant independence to all its colonies.