Information Related to "She Used to Be Our Queen, Too..."
| Audio/Video |
by Melvin Rhodes
When Elizabeth II ascended the throne 50 years ago in 1952, Britain's African possessions were larger than the entire United States of America. Today Britain has no African empire. Yet Queen Elizabeth herself remains popular throughout the continent. Africa's postcolonial realities help us understand why.
Extensive celebrations are taking place across Britain this year to mark the queen's golden jubilee. Her 50-year reign has seen the United Kingdom transformed beyond all recognition from the head of the world's greatest empire to a member of the European Union. The demographic makeup of Britain differs greatly from when Elizabeth became queen, while the morals and way of life of the people have radically altered- including the behavior of a few younger members of the royal family itself.
Nonetheless, much appreciation will rain on Queen Elizabeth II, whose position as head of state for 50 years has contributed to the nation's stability during a time of radical change.
During the celebrations it is unlikely that much attention will be paid to the queen's African role. At one time almost all of Britain's African possessions had their own parliaments, with the British monarch as their own head of state-reflecting the political system evolved over centuries in the mother country, often called "the mother of parliaments."
In a continent that has since become a byword for political unrest and instability, Britain's African territories were noteworthy examples of political stability. Often overlooked is that the nations that have shared in the British system of government have for centuries enjoyed a good measure of political soundness.
No economic progress can come without political stability. Sadly, since independence, most African nations have gone backwards economically. At least one reason for this has been a lack of stability. No country in Africa has developed a political model that works as well as the British colonial political system.
Related Information on UCG Sites:
Table of Contents that includes "She Used to Be Our Queen, Too..."
Other Articles by Melvin Rhodes
British commonwealth: