Abstract:

The aim of the paper is to show that the origin of Pan-Africanism dates back to a date earlier than the 18th century. It is noteworthy that Pan-Africanism is usually seen as something that started in the period of 18th and 19th centuries. This is so due to some reasons. Firstly, Pan-Africanism is seen as something that revolves around people of African stock standing up to Europeans. In that case, it cannot but be belligerent in nature. Secondly, arising from the above, is the failure to appreciate that there are strands to the phenomenon. Thirdly, there is the failure to appreciate that Pan-Africanism did not come in a one fell swoop fashion and that the beginning of any of the strands should mean the commencement of the phenomenon. The paper is based on textual analysis.  Published books and articles were consulted in coming up with the position in the paper. It concludes that for Pan-Africanism to be placed in proper historical context, it must be seen as an issue of ass...