One possible analysis of a major pattern in nationalist movements in Africa after 1945 is the shift from nonviolent to more militant forms of resistance. Initially, many nationalist movements used peaceful methods such as petitions, boycotts, and strikes to push for independence from colonial rule. However, as colonial powers became more resistant to granting independence and as the violence of colonial repression increased, many nationalist movements embraced more radical tactics such as armed struggle and guerrilla warfare. This shift towards more militant forms of resistance was influenced by factors such as the success of anti-colonial struggles in other parts of the world, the rise of anti-imperialist ideologies like Marxism-Leninism, and the growing frustration with the slow pace of decolonization. Ultimately, this shift towards militancy played a key role in the eventual success of many nationalist movements in Africa in gaining independence from colonial rule.
