C么te d’Ivoire Gains Independence – August 7, 1960
馃實 Colonial Background:
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C么te d’Ivoire, located in West Africa, was part of French West Africa, a federation of eight French colonial territories.
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Under French rule since the late 19th century, it became a colony in 1893 and later an overseas territory after World War II.
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Movements for African self-rule grew stronger in the 1950s, especially after Ghana’s independence in 1957.
馃摐 Path to Independence:
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In 1958, France offered its African colonies the choice to join a new French Community or move toward independence.
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C么te d’Ivoire initially voted to remain within the French Community but pushed for more autonomy under the leadership of F茅lix Houphou毛t-Boigny.
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On August 7, 1960, C么te d’Ivoire officially declared full independence from France.
馃馃徑馃捈 F茅lix Houphou毛t-Boigny – Founding Father:
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A prominent politician and former French National Assembly member.
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Became C么te d’Ivoire’s first President, serving from 1960 until his death in 1993.
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Known for promoting close ties with France, economic growth, and stability (though under a one-party system).
馃搱 Post-Independence Impact:
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Quickly emerged as one of the most prosperous and stable countries in West Africa during the 1960s and 1970s.
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Its capital, Abidjan, became known as the "Paris of West Africa."
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The economy was largely based on agriculture—especially cocoa and coffee exports.
馃晩️ Legacy of August 7:
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Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 7 with parades, speeches, and cultural events across the country.
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It represents not just the end of colonial rule but the beginning of a uniquely Ivorian identity on the global stage.
