<aside> 💡 From this unit, you must know…

  1. What are the effects of European colonization on African societies and their continuing impact today.
  2. What was the role of imperialism in the division of Africa and the exploitation of its resources and people. </aside>

Concept 5: Colonization in Africa

Colonization Colonization refers to the process by which a country or people take control and establish political and economic dominance over another area and its people.

Factors of Colonialism

Destruction of Culture Discouraging/banning traditional cultural practices and language
Economic Control Only colonizers would be allowed to own businesses/resources
Political Disenfranchisement The colonized has no control over the government.

Key Terms and Vocabulary

Scramble for Africa About 50 years of rapid colonization of Africa by European powers
White Man’s Burden The idea that Europeans carried the responsibility to “civilize,” Christianize, and educate non-European peoples
Berlin Conference of 1884 The Berlin Conference of 1884 was a meeting of European colonial powers to divide and control Africa.
It divided the continent into colonies without regard for existing African societies, cultures, and borders.
The Berlin Conference marked the beginning of the Scramble for Africa, a period of intense competition and colonization by European powers.

From 1870 to 1914, Africa was colonized by the major European powers: England, France, Belgium, among others. By the turn of the 20th Century, most of Africa was claimed by Europe’s empires. This competition for territory became known as the Scramble for Africa.

Europeans sought to exploit natural resources and sell manufactured goods. Also, Europeans believed in the White Man’s Burden, a racist idea that Europeans carried the responsibility to “civilize,” Christianize, and educate non-European peoples.

For almost 50 years, Europe terrorized the continent. Forced labor, environmental exploitation, and cultural destruction were among the injustices committed against the continent and its peoples.

Long-Term Effects of Colonization

Forced Labor The long legacy of slave labor and trade continues to this day.
Spread of Christianity Missionary work and forced conversion were widespread as traditional religion was discouraged and banned.
Exploitation of Resources Even after independence, Sub-Saharan African countries struggled to get control of the few resources Europeans left.
Political Instability Power struggles broke out after independence as various groups tried to fill the power vacuum left behind.
Civil and Interstate European drew borders without regard to cultural, linguistic, and religious difference. This led to conflict that continues today.

Concept 5 continued: Decolonization

Starting soon after World War II, African countries began to gain independence from European powers. It varies from country to country, but sometimes Europe allowed it and some rebelled. This was known as decolonization.

However, the legacy of colonization continues to the present day. Even after independence, African countries struggled with developing infrastructure, education, and stable governments.