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Warfare History

From Pitchforks to Rifles: 15 Uprisings You Didn’t Learn About in School

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5. The Mau Mau Uprising (1952-1960)

5. The Mau Mau Uprising (1952-1960)
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The Mau Mau Uprising stands as one of the most significant—and brutal—struggles against colonial rule in Africa. Led primarily by the Kikuyu people, Kenyan rebels launched a violent campaign against British authorities, demanding land rights and independence. The conflict saw widespread atrocities, mass detentions, and the harsh suppression of the movement, but it ultimately shattered the legitimacy of colonial rule. The uprising helped spark a broader wave of decolonization across Africa. Learn more about this pivotal resistance at BBC.

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