Chinecherem Eze
History 39
Developmental Changes in Africa from the close of WWII through the 1990s
From the close of World War II through the 1990s, sub-Saharan Africa experienced major transformations in form of accomplishments as well as challenges. Some of the accomplishments includes decolonization and gaining independence from previous colonial masters and subsequently moving away from authoritarian regimes to embrace democracy. They have also been faced with some challenges of poverty, and weak state. The main obstacle to the economic advancement of Africans is the social cum racial inequality between Africans and their colonizers in addition to the lack of human dignity experienced by Africans as the direct result of the policy of white supremacy.
During the Scramble for Africa in the late 1900s, European powers divided Africa and its resources into political partitions at the Berlin Conference of 1884-85. By the early 1900s, African soil was almost completely controlled by European rule, with the only exceptions being Liberia (which had been settled by African-American former slaves) and Ethiopia (which had successfully resisted colonization by Italy). As a result of colonialism and imperialism, Africa suffered long term effects, such as the loss of important natural resources, economic devastation, cultural confusion, geopolitical division, and political subjugation (Lecture). It was for this cause that Africans sought for their independence. Therefore
Between the years 1881 and 1914, African territory was being invaded by Europeans during the New Imperialism period. Before Europe’s invasion, Africa consisted of various tribes and had no central government due to this during the mid nineteenth century. Europe attempted to colonize Africa using harsh military force and resulted in the European Scramble for Africa. The European Scramble for Africa caused African leaders to have different reactions such as some wanting to have no conflicts, but peace, surrendering to the Europeans due to fear, and also attempting to fight back against the Europeans.
When people realized how convenient Africa would be to have as their own land, the Berlin Conference was held. During this conference Africa was divided and claimed by majority of
The European colonization of Africa, also known as the Scramble for Africa, Partition of Africa, or Conquest of Africa, occurred between the 1870s and 1900s, and was the invasion, occupation, colonization, and annexation of African territory by European powers during a period of New Imperialism. European control of the continent increased from 10 percent (1870) to 90 percent (1914), with only three territories, Saguia el-Hamra, which was later integrated into Spanish Sahara, Ethiopia and Liberia remaining independent of Europe’s control. There were many reasons for the European colonization of Africa, including economic and political motives, with the Berlin Conference serving as a catalyst. Africans resisted the European invasions of their lands, with the two main methods of opposition were guerilla warfare and direct military engagement. European influence on Africa still remains today, though these influences are generally negative and hurt Africa’s overall development.
Africa has had a long and tumultuous road of colonization and decolonization the rush to colonize Africa started in the 17th century with the discovery of the vast amounts of gold, diamonds, and rubber with colonization hitting a fever pitch during World War I. However, the repercussions of colonization have left deep wounds that still remain unhealed in the 21st century. Early on, European nations such as Britain, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany and Belgium scrambled for territories. Countries wanted land so they could harvest the resources, increase trade, and gain power. The European colonization of Africa brought racism, civil unrest, and insatiable greed; all of which have had lasting impacts on Africa.
As Europe’s economy and standard of living rose, the need for more land flourished as well. Europe sought to split the various parts of Africa during the Berlin conference (without the approval of the Africans, of course). Eventually, Europe successfully stole most of Africa from its rightful owners. The greedy Europeans showed pretentiousness towards the colonies in Africa and wanted to seize territory in order to utilize their available resources while displaying supremacy over the other races.
During 1884-1885 the Berlin conference occurred, three decades after the Berlin conference European authority controlled Africa. This, later on, caused negative and positive actions and reactions towards European scramble for Africa. Some Africans surrendered due to European powers, and some Africans would battle against Europeans. Overall AfricanAfricaactions and reactions, in Response to European scramble for Africa, were violent; however, African actions and reaction were sometimes peaceful.
In the 19th century Europe underwent imperialism, Europe wanted to take control of different continents one of which was Africa to gain power, civilize the African people and grow the economy of Europe. With intentions to help, the Europeans moved to Africa in order to get the resources that were grown there forcing the Africans native to those regions to move to North and South America (Document 9). By 1885 the amount of people living in Africa had increased due to the amount of Europeans (Spielvogel and McTighe 234). The Europeans took resources and goods from Africa to sell and increase their capital. These reasons changed the way of life for the Africans making them adapt to the changes without being able to fight back. While imperialism
During the Age of Imperialism, Europeans colonized and conquered almost all of Africa during the scramble for Africa, lasted from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. When Europe first began asking Africa to give up their freedom, most kingdoms politely declined the offer. However, some countries surrendered and soon realized the horrific mistake they had made. The African people began to rebel against European rule, some leaders becoming desperate enough to trick their own people into joining the effort. Many Africans were not on board with the African Scramble.
Europeans bought and sold slaves and traded with Africa before the 19th century. Then they took over Africa and imperialized their weaker nation. The Europeans brought together a group of people and held a conference to split up the part of Africa to the colonies of Europe. They called this the Berlin Conference, held in Berlin in 1884. They brought this group together to try and avoid conflict between the colonies.
The Scramble for Africa from 1876-1914 has influenced many Africans by violent resistance, diplomacy, and adopting traditions. During this time period, Africa was being colonized and taken over by European powers. This was caused by the The Berlin Conference and it consisted of European powers deciding what they should do about Africa. Africa didn't actually have a say in this. Therefore, Europe ended up dividing up Africa into colonies that they took over.
With the assembly of the Berlin Conference from 1884 to 1885, the African continent was split between seven European powerhouse countries. These European countries involved, except - Italy, Belgium, and Germany - had all recently lost their American Colonies. Therefore pushing them to colonize new land. England, France, Portugal, Italy, SPain, Belgium, and Germany gained African territories in hopes of civilizing the barbarian native Africans. They hoped to give the Africans the final push into being a civilized place, where could dominate.
The Scramble for Africa, taking place nearly three decades after the Berlin Conference regarding Africa, was an event where several, major European powers attempted to colonize areas in Africa. As European powers tried to enforce this imperialism, they were met with heavy resistance from the Africans, violently and non-violently, however some chose to give in to European demands; Document 5 is an example of the violent resistance from the natives of Africa while Document 2 shows non-violent resistance by co-operating with the British, and Document 1 gives an example of submission to the British through a contract of sorts. The Berlin Conference marked the beginning of the “Conquest of Africa”. This conquest partitioned Africa into territories
Imperialism in Africa began in the late 19th century. It began when King Leopold II began the Scramble for Africa. All of the major colonial powers went after Africa. Their goal was to gain the most wealth and to have the most territory. Having more territory and claiming valuable parts of the continent was a symbol of power. Imperialism in Africa had negative and positive consequences on both the Europeans and Africans, these can be shown through human rights issues, new industry and advancements, and wealth and influence.
Before the Europeans began to explore Africa, little was known about the continent. However, after some initial exploration of Africa, the Europeans soon realized how economically important this area was, and how much they could profit from it. At the time, European countries had only small colonies in Africa, but after they realized that they could make money from the resources in the inner regions of Africa, they wanted to invade the African regions and assume control. This led to “ the race” and ultimately, the partition of Africa. There were many motives for the Europeans to imperialize Africa. There were humanitarian and religious goals, political goals, military goals, and most importantly, there were economic interests. During the Berlin conference, The European powers decided that they were going to spread the three C’s (Christianity, Commerce, and Civilization) in Africa. To do this, the conference had three aims “ Ensure free trade for all nations throughout the Congo, to ensure free navigation for all countries on the Niger River of West Africa, and agree to set rules by which the Europeans could proceed to divide the rest of the continent.” (Part II: The European Conquest, Pg 11). Later in the document it states that not one African representative was present at the Berlin Conference to discuss Africa's future. The European people tricked themselves into thinking that what they were doing
Between 1870 and 1914, European countries ceased about ninety percent of Africa. Native Africans faced political, military, and imperialism pressure from various European countries. After the end of the profitable slave trade in Africa, due to abolishing of slavery, Europeans explored for new guaranteed markets, and heavily profitable investments. In addition, European countries were under industrialization, the demand for raw materials heavily increased. Europeans as well faced power struggles with one another and competition for political influence in Africa. European power struggle ultimately lead to the “Scramble for Africa.” Europeans undertook the process of imperialism in Africa in the late 19th century by exercising political, economic, and military power on their African colonies. Some African leaders and societies welcomed Europeans in hopes to protect and develop their native land. Some African leaders and societies responded to European occupation by gathering resistance groups in attempt to fight off foreign imperialists.