Why did some African men enlist for military service during WW2?

Loyalty towards colonial authorities, propaganda, a sense of adventure, and association with the Nazi German cause
Loyalty towards colonial authorities, propaganda, and a sense of adventure
Loyalty towards colonial authorities and propaganda
Loyalty towards colonial authorities

1 answer

The most accurate response would be "Loyalty towards colonial authorities, propaganda, and a sense of adventure."

During World War II, many African men enlisted for military service for several reasons:

  1. Loyalty towards colonial authorities: Many African soldiers felt a sense of duty to the colonial powers that governed their regions, which encouraged enlistment as part of their loyalty to the empire.

  2. Propaganda: Colonial governments often used propaganda to encourage enlistment, portraying military service as a noble and honorable duty, and sometimes suggesting that it was a way to earn respect and recognition.

  3. A sense of adventure: The idea of participating in a global conflict appealed to many young men, driven by the prospect of travel, new experiences, and the allure of soldiering.

Associating with the Nazi German cause would generally not be a reason for enlistment among African men, as most were aligned with the Allied forces during the war, rather than the Axis powers.