One of the following French West African colonies was the first to gain independence

Analyze the question: You are asked which of these French West African colonies became independent first.

Concept: After World War II, France offered its African colonies a choice in the 1958 referendum on de Gaulle's new constitution (the Fifth Republic). Territories could vote "Yes" to join the French Community, with internal self-government, or "No" for immediate independence. Only Guinea, led by Ahmed Sékou Touré, voted "No", famously declaring, "We prefer poverty in liberty to riches in slavery."

Step-by-step solution:

1. Guinea voted "No" in September 1958 and became independent on 2 October 1958.
2. Togo (French-administered) became independent on 27 April 1960.
3. Benin (then Dahomey) became independent on 1 August 1960.
4. Burkina Faso (then Upper Volta) became independent on 5 August 1960.

Order: Guinea (1958), then Togo (April 1960), then Benin (August 1960), then Burkina Faso (August 1960).

Answer: Guinea was the first, which is option C.

Exam tip: Remember "Guinea said No, so Guinea was first (1958)." Most other French colonies, including Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso, became independent in 1960, often called the "Year of Africa." Also note that Ghana (1957) was the first sub-Saharan British colony to gain independence, and don't confuse it with the French colonies.