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Macmillan and the wind of change in Africa, 1957–1960*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2009

Ritchie Ovendale
Ritchie Ovendale
Affiliation:
University of Wales, Aberystwyth
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Abstract

Based on the recently released documents in the Public Record Office, London, this article is concerned with examining the reasons behind the shift in the British approach towards decolonization in Africa signalled by Macmillan's ‘wind of change’ speech to the South African parliament on 3 February 1960. The documents suggest that the British decision to abdicate in Africa was partly due to international considerations, and to Cold War politics and the need to prevent Soviet penetration in Africa. The change from ‘multi-racialism’ to ‘non-racialism’ can be attributed to the influence of the commonwealth relations office under Lord Home, and an initiative from the leader of the Africa Capricorn society, David Stirling. The emphasis on the need for Britain to pursue the same policy in all of Africa can also be traced to the commonwealth relations office. Macmillan, himself was influenced by the ‘moral’ aspect, by the policies pursued by the Belgians in the Congo, but above all by the failure of French policy in Algeria.

Type
Articles
Information
The Historical Journal , Volume 38 , Issue 2 , June 1995 , pp. 455 - 477
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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