A major European influence had occurred and led to the political boundaries of the time. This, combined with growing nationalism among the major political powers in Europe, contributed to increased tensions not only at home but also in their respective colonies. This increased need for control in these various regions forced greater governmental power within the colonial system in Africa. During the two world wars and the immediate aftermath, colonies in Africa could be considered an economic concern, especially with regard to the eastward expansion of European power. This is evident in the case of nations like England, who had to hold on to issues like the Suez Canal, which accelerated their trade in