Andrew W. M. Smith (EDT), Chris Jeppesen (EDT) Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa

Annotation

Looking at decolonization in the conditional tense, this volume teases out the complex and uncertain ends of British and French empire in Africa during the period of 'late colonial shift' after 1945. Rather than view decolonization as an inevitable process, the contributors together explore the crucial historical moments in which change was negotiated, compromises were made, and debates were staged. Three core themes guide the analysis: development, contingency and entanglement. The chapters consider the ways in which decolonization was governed and moderated by concerns about development and profit. A complementary focus on contingency allows deeper consideration of how colonial powers planned for 'colonial futures', and how divergent voices greeted the end of empire. Thinking about entanglements likewise stresses both the connections that existed between the British and French empires in Africa, and those that endured beyond the formal transfer of power.Praise for Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa'...this ambitious volume represents a significant step forward for the field. As is often the case with rich and stimulating work, the volume gestures towards more themes than I have space to properly address in this review. These include shifting terrains of temporality, spatial Scales, and state sovereignty, which together raise important questions about the relationship between decolonization and globalization. By bringing all of these crucial issues into the same frame, Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa is sure to inspire new thought-provoking research.'H-France 'On the whole the collection offers some stimulating points, such as Martin Shipway's final remarks ... Marta Musso's persuasive discussion on the diplomatic struggle for control of hydrocarbon resources during the Algerian War of Independence ... and a compelling chapter by Joanna Warson on how the French responded to migratory flows of Francophone Africans to British West Africa.' Africa: Journal of the International African Institute'This is a work on imperial history the way it should be done.'History: Reviews of New Books'the essays that comprise Britain, France and the Decolonization of Africa go a long way in adding to the growing literature surrounding the uncertainty and 'imperfection''Journal of African History