The British Press, Public Opinion and the End of Empire in Africa: The 'Wind of Change', 1957-60

This book explores how the British press influenced British perceptions of decolonization in Africa and British policy during the 'wind of change' period. It reveals how British newspapers informed African activists, nationalists, liberal whites, white settler communities, and independent African states and their opponents. The press cast a transnational web of influence over the decolonization process, highlighting the relationships between the British, African, and settler public and political spheres.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 291 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of the British press on British perceptions of decolonization in Africa and British policy during the transformative 'wind of change' period. It unveils, for the first time, the significant relevance of British newspaper coverage to African and white settler readerships, shaping their political strategies, civic cultures, and attitudes toward the unfolding events.

The British press, British public opinion, and British journalists became integral components of the lived experiences of the end of empire, leaving a lasting imprint on Anglo-African and Anglo-settler relations. The author argues that the press exerted a transnational influence over the decolonization process in Africa, exploring the intricate relationships between the British, African, and settler public and political spheres.

Through a rich tapestry of sources, including British newspapers, official government documents, newspaper archives, interviews, memoirs, autobiographies, and articles published in African and white settler papers, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the media's role in mediating the complexities of decolonization. It sheds light on the ways in which the British press influenced public opinion, shaped political discourse, and influenced the decision-making processes of key actors.

This book is a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of decolonization, Africa, the media, and the British Empire. Its insights provide a deeper understanding of the historical forces that shaped the post-colonial world and continue to resonate today.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030894580
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022