# Year of Africa decolonization (1960)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1960-year-of-africa-decolonization
Location: French Africa
Categories: main-event

Many former French colonies in sub-Saharan Africa became independent. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charles de Gaulle (President of the French Republic). Year of Africa decolonization mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Year of Africa decolonization mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems.

Ruler at the time: [Charles de Gaulle](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-de-gaulle-1959)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Year of Africa decolonization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Year+of+Africa+decolonization&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Year of Africa decolonization](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Year+of+Africa+decolonization)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)