The surge in nationalism and its related activities was fueled by oppressive colonial experiences and

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what, together with oppressive colonial experiences, fueled the rise of nationalism (the push for self-rule and independence) in West Africa.

Step 2: Explain the concept Nationalism in West Africa grew from two kinds of factors:

• Internal/direct factors: colonial oppression such as forced labour, taxation, racial discrimination, and denial of political rights.
• External/ideological factors: outside ideas and movements that inspired Africans to demand freedom. These include Pan-Africanism, the impact of World War II, the Atlantic Charter, Ethiopia's resistance to Italy, and Indian independence.

The question pairs "oppressive colonial experiences" with a second factor, so we look for an ideological or inspirational force rather than another colonial grievance.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Partition of West African territories: This was part of colonisation itself, a cause of grievance, but not an ideology that drove nationalism.
• B. Strong desire for civilisation: This was not a driver of nationalism. It was a justification used by colonialists.
• C. Ideology and activities of Pan-Africanism: Correct. Leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, Kwame Nkrumah, and George Padmore promoted African unity, dignity, and self-determination. Pan-African Congresses and groups like the West African Students' Union (WASU) inspired West African nationalists.
• D. Monopoly of mineral resources and land degradation: This is an economic grievance under colonialism. It is part of the oppression, not a separate ideological force, and it is less directly tied to the "surge" in nationalism.

Step 4: Answer ideology and activities of Pan-Africanism**.

Exam tip: For "causes of nationalism" questions, remember two groups: internal (colonial abuses) and external (Pan-Africanism, WWII, Atlantic Charter, Indian independence). When the question already names a colonial grievance, the answer is usually from the external or ideological group.