Nationalist agitation in British West Africa after the World War II led to the ________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the outcome of nationalist agitation in British West Africa after World War II (post-1945). We need the option that best describes a real, major result.

Step 2: Concept After WWII, several things fueled nationalism in British West Africa:

• Returning ex-servicemen who had seen colonial powers' weaknesses and were frustrated by poor pay, unemployment and lack of recognition.
• Economic hardship, inflation and price controls.
• The influence of the Atlantic Charter, the Pan-African Congress (1945), and Indian independence.
• Educated elites and the press demanding self-government.

The main result was a shift from small pressure groups to organized, mass-based political movements aiming at self-rule.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Disregard for traditional rulers who supported the British: This did happen in places, but it was a side effect, not the defining outcome of the agitation.
• B. Formation of political parties: This is correct. Examples include the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC, 1944), the Action Group (1951), the Northern People's Congress (1949), the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC, 1947), and Nkrumah's Convention People's Party (CPP, 1949). These parties contested elections and led the way to independence.
• C. Killing of British administrative officials: Nationalism in British West Africa was largely constitutional and non-violent. There was no widespread killing of officials.
• D. Cooperation of ex-servicemen with the governor: Ex-servicemen were generally hostile. For example, the 1948 Accra riots started when ex-servicemen marched to the Governor's residence, so this is the opposite of what happened.

Step 4: Answer The nationalist agitation led to the formation of political parties, which became the vehicle for demanding independence.

Tip: In Government and History questions about post-1945 nationalism, remember the pattern: agitation → political parties → constitutions/elections → independence. Whenever you see "nationalist agitation" with "formed," think "parties."