Why have some African nations taken steps towards democracy in recent years?
A. Foreign governments and lenders demanded democratic reforms.
B. The Cold War forced military leaders out of power.
C. Violent revolutions all over Africa initiated reforms.
D. African nations initiated reform to sever ties with their former colonial rulers.
A. Foreign governments and lenders demanded democratic reforms.
The option that best explains why some African nations have taken steps towards democracy in recent years is:
B. The Cold War forced military leaders out of power.
During the Cold War era, many African countries were influenced and supported by either the United States or the Soviet Union. As the Cold War ended, the support and resources provided by these superpowers decreased, resulting in a loss of backing for military regimes that were in power in several African nations. This loss of support weakened the military's hold on power, creating opportunities for democratic reforms to take place in these countries.
To determine why some African nations have taken steps towards democracy in recent years, we'll examine each option and explain how to find the answer:
A. Foreign governments and lenders demanded democratic reforms: To determine if this is a reason, you can research the role that foreign governments and lenders played in pushing for democratic reforms in African nations. Look for news articles, scholarly articles, or reports that discuss the influence of external actors on political changes in Africa.
B. The Cold War forced military leaders out of power: Research the impact of the Cold War on Africa and whether it led to the removal of military leaders. Look for historical sources, books, or academic papers that explore the political dynamics of different African countries during the Cold War era.
C. Violent revolutions all over Africa initiated reforms: Investigate whether violent revolutions have been a catalyst for democratic changes in African nations. Look for historical accounts, news articles, or academic research that discusses specific instances of violent revolutions leading to political reforms in African countries.
D. African nations initiated reform to sever ties with their former colonial rulers: Research the historical context of African decolonization and if severing ties with former colonial rulers prompted democratic reforms. Examine historical documents, scholarly articles, or books that capture the political motivations behind African nations' efforts to establish their own governance systems free from colonial influences.
By conducting thorough research using reputable sources, you can determine which of these options, if any, accurately explain why some African nations have taken steps towards democracy in recent years.