The 1960s were a monumental decade for the people of the African continent, who saw the status quo of colonial rule by European powers, in place in most areas for three quarters of a century, dramatically disrupted. The most dramatic single year was 1960. During that year, Ghana abolished the monarchy and became a republic; South Africa saw the devastating Sharpeville massacre and the beginning of the anti-apartheid movement; and a full 17 countries gained their independence.
