Final answer:
Africans were motivated to develop anticolonial movements and forge new national identities due to exploitation by colonial powers and the rise of nationalism. Influenced by Pan-Africanism and Diaspora support, they resisted colonial control and pushed towards independence, aligning their struggles with global civil rights movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Africans were inspired to develop their own anticolonial movements and new national identities by a combination of internal and external factors. The exploitation by colonial powers, particularly during the World Wars when Africans were forced to contribute more to the war effort without fair compensation, ignited a sense of nationalism and the realization of their own power. This led many Africans to embrace nationalist movements post-war, seeking independence and the right to govern their own countries.
Pan-Africanism played a significant role, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among people of African descent worldwide. The movement saw influential figures like W.E.B. Du Bois championing a collective national identity and the cultural and political unification of Africans. Across the continent, resistance to foreign control grew, especially in the interior, where colonial rule had disrupted the socioeconomic structures by preventing the development of a native capitalist class and subverting local governance systems.
Many African Americans also identified with the African independence movements, viewing them as parallel to their own struggles for civil rights. They supported these movements both ideologically and financially, recognizing their shared heritage and fight against oppression. Despite resistance from colonial powers and the lack of support from some Western governments, numerous African countries fought for and achieved independence, forging new national identities and governance structures in the process.