Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home AfricaBib Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Ex-Servicemen at the Crossroads: Protest and Politics of Post-War Ghana
Author:Israel, Adrienne M.ISNI
Year:1992
Periodical:Journal of Modern African Studies
Volume:30
Issue:2
Pages:359-368
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:political conflicts
veterans
World War II
Military, Defense and Arms
Politics and Government
colonialism
History and Exploration
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/161198
Abstract:This article examines the impact of World War II on the former Gold Coast (Ghana), and more particularly the role of ex-servicemen in postwar protests. It focuses on the recalled perceptions of a number of ex-servicemen who participated in the developments leading up to the 28 February 1948 march to Christiansburg Castle and the subsequent outbreaks of violence, key events in West Africa's political history. It shows that the returned soldiers, whose grievances were articulated by the Ex-Servicemen's Union, came from diverse classes and ethnic groups. Their potential for political influence was quickly recognized by nationalist leaders who helped to channel their dissatisfaction into demonstrations. Although some ex-servicemen supported British rule, those who actively backed efforts to secure economic benefits for themselves provided politicians with a 'cause', and later an 'incident', which they used to hasten self-rule. Notes, ref.
Views
Cover