The struggle for independence in Tanganyika

The struggle for independence in Tanganyika

The struggle for independence is also called the nationalist struggle. These movements aimed to end colonialism and regain political, economic, and social independence from colonial powers. The movements sought to abolish all forms of exploitation, oppression, dehumanization, segregation, and racism associated with colonial rule.

Early struggle for independence during the German colonial period

Tanganyikan societies began resisting colonialism as soon as it was imposed in the late 19th century. Almost all societies resisted German colonial rule through various uprisings.

1. Different communities in eastern, northern, western, central, and southern German East Africa fought against German oppression and exploitation.
2. A key example of resistance was the Maji Maji War (1905–1907), where local communities fought against forced labor, high taxation, and brutal German policies.

Struggle for independence during the British colonial period

During the British colonial period, there were three main forms of resistance:

Use of peasant cooperative societies

1. Peasant cooperative societies were formed to fight colonial exploitation in agriculture.
2. These organizations helped farmers demand better prices for their cash crops and advocate for economic independence.

Peasant societies and their establishment

No	Name of Peasant Society	Abbreviation	Year of Establishment
1	Bukoba-Buhaya Union	BBU	1924
2	Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union	KNCU	1925
3	Usambara Native Growers Association	UNGA	1931
4	Ngaka Coffee Growers Association	NCGA	1934
5	Ngoni-Matengo Co-operative Union	NGOMAT	1936
6	Bugufi Coffee Cooperative Society	BCCS	1936
7	Lake Province Growers Association	LPGA	1949
8	Rungwe African Cooperative Union	RACU	1949
9	Meru Growers Cooperative Union	MGCU	1954
10	Victoria Federation of Cooperative Union	VFCU	1954
11	Nyanza Cooperative Union	NCU	1954

Use of workers' associations

1. Workers' associations were formed by civil servants working under the colonial government, including teachers, clerks, drivers, railway workers, and dock workers.
2. These associations fought for better wages, working conditions, and an end to discrimination in the workplace.
3. Tanganyika Territory African Civil Servants Association (TTACSA) was one of the earliest workers' associations, founded in Tanga in 1922 under Martin Kayamba.
4. In 1929, TTACSA was transformed into the Tanganyika African Association (TAA), with its headquarters in Dar es Salaam.
5. After World War II, Rashid Mfaume Kawawa played a key role in leading TAA to actively advocate for Tanganyika's independence.

Formation of political parties

After World War II, there was growing pressure to end colonial rule and establish political, economic, and social independence.

Tanganyika African National Union (TANU)

1. TAA was the most active organization in pushing for independence.
2. In 1954, during a General Assembly, TAA members decided to transform it into a political party.
3. On 7th July 1954, the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) was formed.
4. Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere was elected as Chairman of TANU.
5. TANU's main objective was to unite the people of Tanganyika to fight for independence.

Other political parties in Tanganyika

1. United Tanganyika Party (UTP) – Formed in 1956 with support from the British colonial government to weaken TANU. It was founded by European and Asian businessmen along with some African chiefs.
2. African National Congress (ANC) – Formed in 1958 by Zuberi Mtemvu after disagreements within TANU.
3. All Muslim National Union of Tanganyika (AMNUT) – Formed in 1960 to defend the interests of Muslims, particularly in education. However, it lost support over time.

The road to independence

1. 1958, 1959, 1960 Elections – Political parties participated in general elections to determine which party would lead independent Tanganyika.
2. TANU won all three elections, proving its strong support among Tanganyikans.
3. In 1960, an interim government was formed to prepare for independence.
4. May 1961 – A Responsible Government was established, and Julius Nyerere was appointed Prime Minister.
5. 9th December 1961 – Tanganyika gained independence, marking the end of British colonial rule.
6. 9th December 1962 – Tanganyika became a Republic, and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was elected President.