The post-Second World War Nationalism in West Africa was characterised by

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the main feature of nationalism in West Africa after the Second World War (after 1945).

Step 2: Explain the concept Before 1945, nationalist activity in British West Africa was mostly led by a small educated elite (e.g., the National Congress of British West Africa, 1920). Their demands were moderate, mostly for reforms and greater African representation.

After 1945, several factors changed this:

• Returning ex-servicemen who fought in Burma and elsewhere came home with new ideas, skills, and an awareness that colonial rulers were not invincible.
• Economic hardship: inflation, shortages, unemployment, and low cproducer prices.
• Weakened colonial powers: Britain and France were drained by the war.
• Global influences: the Atlantic Charter (self-determination), the United Nations, and India's independence movement.
• Mass-based parties and leaders: Nnamdi Azikiwe (NCNC), Kwame Nkrumah (CPP, "Self-government now"), Obafemi Awolowo (Action Group), and others.
• Strikes and protests: the 1945 General Strike in Nigeria and the 1948 Accra riots in the Gold Coast.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Disorganization: Wrong. Nationalism became more organized, with political parties, trade unions, and youth movements.
• B. Lukewarm demands: Wrong. Demands became more radical, shifting from reforms to full self-government and independence.
• C. Disorientation: Wrong. The movements had clear goals and direction.
• D. Increased agitation: Correct. There were more protests, strikes, press campaigns, and mass mobilization demanding independence.

Step 4: Answer The post-war nationalist period was marked by increased agitation for self-rule.

Tip: In "post-WWII nationalism" questions, look for words like radical, mass-based, militant, intensified. Options suggesting weakness or confusion are usually distractors.