Regional and global disease epidemics, which followed in the wake of the First World War, became the crucial tipping point in the balance between resistance and accommodation that had been established between the British colonial administration and newly colonized people of the Sierra Leone Protectorate. From 1915 to 1919, a smallpox epidemic and the global influenza epidemic overwhelmed the inhabitants of the northern region of Sierra Leone, severely disrupting the movement of people, agricultural production, and trade. In the wake of these epidemics and social disruptions, British colonial demands for revenue, labour, and food from Sierra Leoneans to support their European war effort became more onerous. By 1919, the surreptitious protests of the pre-war period had given way to open and violent confrontation, as anti-Syrian and rice riots swept through the urban areas of the protectorate and colony.
Resource
Epidemics and Resistance in Colonial Sierra Leone during the First World War
Related content
Infographics
Key Considerations: Child Engagement in the Context of Disease Outbreaks in Eastern and Southern Africa
This infographic summarises the insights from a recent key considerations brief on child engagement in the context of disease outbreaks in Eastern and Southern Africa. This brief explores why, when and how to engage children in the prevention, response and…
Central and East Africa Hub
SSHAP
2024
Infographics
Key Considerations for Responding to Floods in South Sudan Through the Humanitarian-Peace-Development Nexus
This infographic summarises the insights from a recent key considerations brief on responding to floods in South Sudan through the lens of Humanitarian-Peace-Development (HDP) Nexus. The brief describes the multidimensional impacts of flooding on peace, health, livelihoods and governance and…
Central and East Africa Hub
SSHAP
2024
Briefing
Key Considerations: Child Engagement in the Context of Disease Outbreaks in Eastern and Southern Africa
Effective child engagement strategies are essential to optimise the response to disease outbreaks and minimise their impact while ensuring children’s protection, well-being and resilience. When children understand disease outbreaks, they are better able to cope, contribute and recover. This promotes…
Central and East Africa Hub
SSHAP
2024
Briefing
Key Considerations for Responding to Floods in South Sudan Through the Humanitarian-Peace-Development Nexus
In common with many other African countries, the Republic of South Sudan is increasingly experiencing devastating floods linked to climate change.1,2 The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño regulate the climate of Equatorial Eastern Africa. In 2019, a dipole…
Central and East Africa Hub
SSHAP
2024