Why was it not until after WWII when many African countries gained independence?

Answer 1

Having participated in WWII, the myth surrounding France and England was broken. So many of the veterans returned home with renewed nationalism, determined to win self-governance.

The promise of self-governance was part of the bargain that brought a lot of Indian soldiers into the war on the Brits side (remember that Ghandi had been agitating for independence for India many years before the war). After the war, India gained independence and it was the catalyst all the colonies needed. England had no choice but to let it happen.

The billion dollar question, how much of that independence do the countries still have today?

Answer 2

World War II devasted many of the colonial powers (Europe).
These african countries didn't fight for independence; it was simply granted to them.
The former colonial powers, however, opened the doors to all of the former colonies for immigration.
Judging by the high number of african immigrants, they must not mind living in a white run country. Don't you think it's past time for a black First World Country?

Answer 3

The War wiped out the Colonial Powers and they, as one poster said, had to rebuild their own houses first.
They were broke and it was much less expensive to just let their colonies go than help them rebuild.

Answer 4

Because France and England were the victors in WW1; and they had most of the African countries under their thumbs.

WW2 shattered their powers, and they had trouble re-asserting themselves; the British in India, the French in Indo-China and Algeria; etc.

Answer 5

the mother countries had used up their capital and could not fund the overseeing of the colonies

Answer 6

Time and money, both ran out. When you are rebuilding your house you can't be bothered with too many other things.