Proto-Nationalism and Features of Proto-Nationalism

What is Proto-nationalism?

Proto-nationalism signifies the activities of the nationalist movements channelled towards reforms and the inclusion of natives in the colonial administration of their state.

Their activities did not aim at immediate self-government; rather, they aimed to include the participation of Africans in the colonial administration. Proto-nationalism is the second stage of colonialism.

Features of Proto-Nationalism:

• Agitation for Reforms and Participation in Colonial Administration: Nationalist demands were aimed at political and social reforms and greater participation in the colonial administration.

• Predominance of Educated Elites in Nationalism: National movements formed under proto-nationalism were dominated by educated elites.

• Employment of Constitutional and Non-violent Means: Pro-nationalism pursued its goals through constitutional and non-violent means. Such as petitions, delegations, attending constitutional conferences, etc.

• Activities Restricted to Urban Areas: The leaders were conservative, and their activities were restricted to the urban centres. Rural areas did not feel the impact of pro-nationalism.

• Existence of Inter-territorial Movements: The National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA), a precursor to modern nationalism in West Africa, was formed in 1920 by an educated elite in the Gold Coast, primarily to advocate for greater political representation and participation in the colonial administration.  This movement cut across West African countries of British West Africa.

• Formation of Youth Movement: This period was characterised by the emergence of early forms of national consciousness and identity, often manifested through the formation of youth movements and other groups that advocate for reforms, e.g Nigerian Youth Movements e.g. Nigerian Youth Movement, Gold Coast Congress, etc.

• Proto-nationalist Activities Popular along Coastal Areas: Their activities were popular along the coastal areas, e.g. Lagos, Cape Coast, etc.

• Movement Activities Centred on the Personalities of their Leaders: Most of the movements were centred on the personalities of the leaders. When the leaders died, these movements collapsed.

• Utilized Newspapers as a Major Agent of Operation and Mobilization: Most of the leaders of these movements were either publishers or editors of newspapers. These Newspapers were used to pursue their nationalist objectives.