Consequent to the political and economic rivalries among the European empires in the last quarter of the 19th century, the partitioning of Africa was how the Europeans avoided warring amongst themselves over Africa. The later years of the 19th century saw the transition from "informal imperialism", by military influence and economic dominance, to the direct rule of a people, which brought about colonial imperialism. The social and economic effects of European Imperialism in Africa are, economy, military, and social class. Africa was a new market for manufactured goods that could be sold for high prices, and was also a source of raw materials that could be manufactured. Although, in the grand scheme of the African economy, it grew to a more global position, the social or individual part, suffered greatly.
The changes that occurred in Africa caused for Africa to become a premier area on the rise as a result of European influence. The social changes in Africa caused for Africa to have a series of public reformations which caused for Africa to become a more civilized area. Bethwell Ogot prominent historian and author of African Political, Economics and Social Structures During this Time Period analyzed how the religion had a major impact on the societal changes in Africa, “In the religious area, European and Middle Eastern philosophies and religions in Africa began to impinge, with Christianity and Islam becoming political forces in new areas”(Ogot 24). Islam and Christianity would play a significant part in the social changes of Africa because it allowed for the development of Africa into a more civilized area. These two religions were brought to Africa from foreign countries therefore the presence of foreign nations would play a significant role in the development of Africa.
Occupied with other matters, the British Empire wasn’t able to completely control the colonies and as a result they developed independent governments. While still only the wealthy could hold positions, the government was fairly democratic. In addition to the large voting percentage, many states formed assemblies that were similar to the House of Commons in England. These were effective because they better represented the people and put a check on the power of the Governor. Further advances in free speech rights also made their way into the colonies.
Previously, Africa although not fully isolated from the centers of other civilizations, remained secluded from communication with them, slowing the indigenous religions to be the main belief system. West Africa’s first major change begun around 1000 CE when followers of the prophet Muhammad came across Africa bringing its religion, Islam, and social changes. Due to its connection with the Islamic world Africa started to connect with other foreign territories through its new trading and long distance commerce system, exchanging new ideas and products. Furthermore, this new connection with the outside world brought occupants to the area, resulting in a population about 30 to 60 million by 1500 CE. These new economic effects deteriorated the native’s beliefs role as the sole influence of its society, sharing that position with Islam.
Andy Bartlett 11-19-06 DBQ Imperialism in Africa In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries European imperialism caused its countries to divide up the rest of the world, each country claiming bits as its own. Due to its large amounts of resources, Africa was one of the main areas in which European nations established colonies. Imperialism in Africa had both positive and negative results for not only the Africans in the colonies, but the European colonizers as well. Some positive effects on Africans were that they were provided with security by their ruler and new technology was brought to them. Some negative effects from them were the Africans loss of freedom, slavery, the loss of their land and natural resources to the colonizer, and a decrease in African nationalism.
From the 15th to the 18th century, Europeans were capturing and transporting Africans to benefit their home country or colonies by having cheap labour. The evolution of the African slave trade developed from an inhumane practice into a more civilized business transaction. Europeans had no respect for the slaves, and no business strategies were evident during the beginning of the slave trade. As time progressed, several business tactics were utilized in order to create greater efficiency of the trade. Also, the Europeans developed benevolent treatment towards slaves to prolong their health and ensure their survival in order to increase margins of profit.
Further more, there was less class difference among the colonists. The colonies more or less had a good life style, and there wasn't as much poverty as there was in some South American colonies. On a more negative note, the colonies in North America were much more oppressed and controlled by the British crown, than the Spanish colonies by the Spanish royalty. However, the colonies received more external help from the French to help fight off the British forces. In South America there was much less unity among the people than there was in North America.
Some could say because no other slavery country had been divided on the issue of slavery. The United States was divided on the issue of slavery, the North was anti-slavery because there was little to no need free labor, however the south depended heavily on slave’s free labor to maintain high profits and high levels of production. In early America, slaves were a minor portion of the labor force and later became a vital asset to the economy. The slave population in America had a dramatic increase from the late 1700s to the early 1860s. Expansion of the country, invention of the cotton gin, and greater demand for cotton were all contributing factors to the changes in the slave population in early America.
A Fight for Freedom (The Colonialization of Kenya) In the nineteenth century, Kenya was taken over by the British government using the process known as colonialization, which is defined as one nation gaining control of the other. When Europe took over, there were fewer good than bad consequences. Although becoming acquainted with those of Britain came in useful to those with multiple enemies who wanted an advantage over the other civilians, there were many disadvantages that came along as well. For example, land was taken away from farmers which only made the Kenyans even more angry and bitter against the British. There were three main ways that colonialism affected Kenya, including socialism, religious and political.
In the article "Looking East Africa", the author talks about how it is easier to travel with European Airlines inside Africa then it is to fly with African Airlines. He also mentions that the African Airlines are slowly improving, but still there are many difficulties ahead. What is supposed to be a positive story, is laced with ulterior undertones. The author implies that all African countries are alike, and that there would be no reason for them to take national flights. In the article "That Was no Welcome" by Clark, we are able to see the defiance of two different countries, Europe and Africa, in their first encounter due to their lack of cultural knowledge.