The Impact of European Colonialism in Africa
The Impacts of European Colonialism in Africa
The importance of studying history lies in the fact that by analyzing past events, one can gain insight on how something came to be. The fact that many countries in Africa today are underdeveloped for example, can be explained by European colonization and exploration in the past. Some historians would disagree with this view and assert that European colonialism actually served a moral purpose and was mutually beneficial to both parties. They argue that European influence in the area led to political centralization and an overall improvement in infrastructure. Also, defenders of this view tend to underestimate the impacts of the Atlantic slave trade by mentioning that slavery was already a part of Africa prior to European arrival. This essay will analyze the impacts of European colonialism on African economy and society in order to assert whether or not European involvement has helped or has hurt development in the area. Furthermore, this paper will attempt to propose ideas to improve negative effects left behind due to European exploration in Africa. Before colonization, African countries consisted of several small tribes, with different customs and languages. It is estimated that during pre-colonial ages, Africa was composed of 10,000 different polities and that after European intervention; these polities were combined into 40 colonies (Meredith, 2006). Some historians have concluded that European colonization has helped these dispersed African tribes unify. As colonies, these nations were obliged to the laws commanded by the mother country, which demanded products. In order to supply the mother country with goods, African citizens were forced to move into cities and work. Once the colonies became independent, the process of urbanization had already occurred. Those who are pro-colonization believe that the urbanization caused by colonialism led to a development of local industry. What defenders of colonialism do not
The importance of studying history lies in the fact that by analyzing past events, one can gain insight on how something came to be. The fact that many countries in Africa today are underdeveloped for example, can be explained by European colonization and exploration in the past. Some historians would disagree with this view and assert that European colonialism actually served a moral purpose and was mutually beneficial to both parties. They argue that European influence in the area led to political centralization and an overall improvement in infrastructure. Also, defenders of this view tend to underestimate the impacts of the Atlantic slave trade by mentioning that slavery was already a part of Africa prior to European arrival. This essay will analyze the impacts of European colonialism on African economy and society in order to assert whether or not European involvement has helped or has hurt development in the area. Furthermore, this paper will attempt to propose ideas to improve negative effects left behind due to European exploration in Africa. Before colonization, African countries consisted of several small tribes, with different customs and languages. It is estimated that during pre-colonial ages, Africa was composed of 10,000 different polities and that after European intervention; these polities were combined into 40 colonies (Meredith, 2006). Some historians have concluded that European colonization has helped these dispersed African tribes unify. As colonies, these nations were obliged to the laws commanded by the mother country, which demanded products. In order to supply the mother country with goods, African citizens were forced to move into cities and work. Once the colonies became independent, the process of urbanization had already occurred. Those who are pro-colonization believe that the urbanization caused by colonialism led to a development of local industry. What defenders of colonialism do not
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