Ch 23.

As I began reading chapter 23 "Independence and development in the global south" I really started to become interested more and more in the chapter because it would talk about hoe these small countries had to stand up for themselves to gain independence from bigger countries.  Which I have a lot of respect for them because it is so hard for anyone or thing to stand up to something that is bigger and more powerful than you.  For example South Africa in early history has always been controlled or at least taken advantage of most of their entire life.  Europe the big bad wolf in the history of Africa was constantly taking advantage of Africa and it's people, it took Africa's first modern nationalist hero, Kwame Nkrumah from Ghana to instill some hope and sense of independence in the people of Africa.  Kwame Nkrumah had a famous quote which many people still remember today "Seek ye first the political kingdom and all these other things will be added unto you".  Many of the African people wondered if this would actually bring about the other goods that they needed from making themselves their own political kingdom, but I feel that his quote was not meant to be taken literally.  I feel that he wanted the people to be independent and finally free from outside influence, he wanted them to just be Africa, and run how the people felt they should run. What I am trying to say is Kwame Nkrumah was just trying to get the people's mind set to were they felt that they didn't need anyone else to tell them what to do, the people of Africa were smart enough to do what they felt was good for their country.
This chapter was really inspirational because it showed that finally all of the little countries that have been taken advantage of and bossed around are finally standing up for themselves.  Which I feel is one of the most important things that I have read in this book, because it goes to show how all of these countries fought and gained their independence.  From India, Africa, and parts of Asia gaining their independence from Europe all the way to America fending off the British to stay as their own individual head power, with no other outer influences.  I really liked this chapter and all of the inspiration that it has instilled in many readers and in past history.