The Tanganyika African National Union and the leadership of Julius Nyerere was central to late colonial developments leading to independence. TANU scored major successes in elections held in the late 1950s. TANU enjoyed broad support across racial groups for its campaign for independence via non-violent means and with a racially inclusive outlook. Julius Nyerere made it a point to appoint whites and Asians.

See below US President John F. Kennedy and Tanganyika President Julius Nyerere speaking at the White House: