Africa and Asia in the Era of Independence in the 20th Century

Nationalist leaders led the movements to independence in Africa and Asia; they won support of peasants and working-class people by promising them jobs, civil rights, and equality after independence was achieved. However, leaders were unable to fulfill their promises, and social unrest emerged. Rivalries and division that had dissolved by the common struggle against foreign colonizers reappeared. Political instability and depleting resources blocked improvements. Problems such as population increases, uncontrollable urban growth, rural landlessness, and environmental deterioration threatened these newly independent nations.

Food crops introduced from the New World contributed to population growth, which began even before decolonization. Colonial rule ended warfare that had caused population losses and promoted the spread of epidemics and famine. However, new railroad and steamship linds reduced famine by the ability to transport food from area to another. Population continued to increase at unprecedented levels. Unfortunately the AIDS epidemic has hindered the population of central and eastern Africa.

In most countries, there has been resistance to birth control efforts due to social patterns and traditions. The ability to bear children (especially males) boosted the status of women, and was a sign of virility for males. Also, religious beliefs also influenced their opinions. For example, Hindus believe a deceased man's soul cannot begin the cycle of rebirth until his eldest son has performed special ceremonies over his funeral pyre. Before the 20th century, high infant mortality rates made it necessary for parents to have as many children as possible to ensure the continuation of a family (usually patrilineal) lineage. In societies where welfare systems and old-age pensions were undeveloped, children took the roles of looking after the elders.