Tanganyika African National Union led by Dr. Julius Nyerere made it clear that whites had nothing to fear from blacks rule and British prime minister Macmillan impressed by Nyerere ability and sincerity and granted independence in independence in 1964 and he became president

1 answer

It seems there are a few inaccuracies in the statements you've provided regarding the history of Tanzania and its independence. Let me clarify the details:

  1. Tanganyika African National Union (TANU): The Tanganyika African National Union was indeed led by Dr. Julius Nyerere. TANU played a significant role in advocating for the independence of Tanganyika from British colonial rule.

  2. Independence: Tanganyika gained its independence from British colonial rule on December 9, 1961. Dr. Julius Nyerere became the first Prime Minister at that time. The reference to "1964" in your statement may pertain to the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which resulted in the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania. This union occurred on April 26, 1964, and following this, Nyerere became the country’s first president.

  3. Relationship with the White Population: Nyerere did indeed advocate for a smooth transition to independence and emphasized national unity. He sought to reassure both the white population and other minorities that their rights would be respected.

  4. British Response: The British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, and his famous "Winds of Change" speech, acknowledged the changing political landscape in Africa and the need for decolonization, which influenced Britain's decision to grant independence to various African nations, including Tanganyika.

In summary, Julius Nyerere was a pivotal figure in the independence movement of Tanganyika, and he later became the first president of Tanzania after its formation in 1964. His leadership was characterized by efforts to unify the nation and promote a sense of national identity, irrespective of ethnic backgrounds.