final history project

Niger was influenced by pre-colonial empires like Songhai and Bornu. French colonization began in the 1900s, with the Turag resisting until the early 20th century. The colony lacked resources and infrastructure. Education and political participation were limited. In 1956, Niger gained more autonomy and in 1960, it declared independence. The population is influenced by both North and Sub-Saharan Africa cultures. Several pre-colonial empires had an impact on Niger, including the Songhai to the west of the Bornu Empire to the east, as well as the Wani Empire of Sokoto. In the 19th century, the first European explorers came to the area searching for the mouth of the Niger River. Although French efforts at subjugation began before the 1900s, dissident ethnic groups, especially the Turag, were not conquered until the early 20th century. The new colony was considered lacking in resources and paved roads or railroads were built between 1922 and 1944. No efforts were made to encourage river transportation and the literacy rate remained among the lowest in Africa. Higher education opportunities were limited. The French Constitution of 1946 permitted Niger to elect a representative to the French National Assembly and provided for decentralization of power and limited participation in political and local advisory assemblies. The law of June 23, 1956 gave Niger's politicians more of a voice in the management of their country by establishing a government council presided over by the governor. In addition to removing voting inequalities, these laws provided for the creation of government origins, giving individual territories a high degree of self-government After the establishment of the Fifth French Republic in 1958, Niger became an autonomous state. Two years later, a new constitution adopted by referendum permitted the creation of a republic in December of 1958. Independence was proclaimed on August 3, 1960. The population is affected by the cultural elements from North Africa as well as Africa south of the Sahara.