The Negative Effects of Colonialism Essay

Colonialism is the reason the world is how it’s today geographically, culturally, socially and in many other aspects. The economic systems such as capitalism was derived from the earliest period of colonialism, with the Spanish imposing taxes on the Indians and the cheap labor the Indians provided. However, the beginning of colonization in the Americas confine with a deadly period of slavery and the termination of Indian populations. For example, the introduction of diseases such as smallpox which cause the death of millions of Native Americans. It was the largest smallpox epidemic, it spread across most of the continent of North America. Thus, with colonization, regardless from which nation or empires was coming from, diseases were introduced to populations with

The 1800s were a time of change in the world. Industry and imperialism became the main focus of many nations, no nation more than Great Britain. Britain already being a world power, lead the charge of industry throughout the world, using their far superior technology at the time to imperialize and colonize almost any nation that would benefit them. Britain was the workshop of the world and required an abundance of raw materials to fuel their industry. After losing a majority of its land in the west to American independence, Britain turned its attention to the east. Britain expanded to Africa and India both full of resources, and both full of people with different cultures, customs, and religions. When the British colonized these new lands, they changed things. Britain advanced the land and the territories greatly in terms of technology and society, it came at the expense of the native peoples.

Imperialism was a negative event that happened to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country was first impressed by the Belgian king, King Leopold II. He ruled the land not as a colony but as his own. He treated the Congolese as slaves to gather him resources to help make him more wealthy. Imperialism was the worst thing that happened to the Democratic Republic of Congo, King Leopold II enslaved the people, and stripped the land of resources, punished them which ultimately lead to the Belgian government stripping him of Power

Gaining complete dominance within a society can be viewed as a lion taking control over its land. These lions can be regarded as a powerful empire, as they live among other preys fighting for supremacy. In History it has been said that “A nation that did not expand would not survive” (American Passages, 529). Imperialism is a prime example of a group of prey fighting for sovereignty, within this land we come across the lions, otherwise known as the nations who control the prey and victimize them to gain complete dominance. Nations such as Japan, United Kingdome, United States, Germany and France were all living amongst themselves in this word fighting for the ultimate position in the game of imperialism. These leading nations took it upon themselves to find undeveloped nations and control certain aspects; they managed to do this because of their strong military base, as well as a stable economy. Although imperialism has been viewed in a negative way, many have seen positives aspects emerging from colonization. These include building roadways, canals and even railways for the underdeveloped nations; other examples include giving them an education system, and stabilizing their economy. That being said, the negative elements outgain the positive, these mother nations took advantage of their daughter nations, causing them to work for cheap labor and neglecting their natural born rights. These prevailing nations took it upon themselves to create a world

While the motives of colonists in the Americas were various- to build a new society, to promote Christianity, to acquire riches, or, as early colonists in New England expressed it, to secure a ‘competencie’ ; they all faced the same challenges of establishing themselves in an alien environment that would require them readjust and respond to new circumstances. It would be justifiable to submit that the main consequences of colonialism were largely detrimental for the native population. The colonisation of the Americas throughout the early modern period resulted in the decimation of the native population as they increasingly lost their traditional lands to white settlers. This can be attributed to

Women did not have equal rights which resulted in people worrying about their well-being and if they were being treated like a slave. According Document C, “forcing poor girls from their quiet homes to become their tools and, like the Southern slaves, to give up their life and liberty to the heartless tyrants and taskmasters.” Women were not able to choose whether or not they wanted to work which would result in them not having

Before 1763, Colonial relations were peaceful. However, after the French and Indian War, Britain and American relations soured. The war left Britain with a larger empire to govern and a massive debt. To solve this dilemma, The British began a policy of direct taxation under the Stamp Act. This lead to a series of events over 25 years that cause colonial rebellion and eventually independence.

Colonization can be dated back to 1492 with the Spanish venture led by Columbus. Colonialism is defined as “The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically” (Oxford Dictionary).This expedition spread European influence worldwide, in places such as China, Lebanon, India, and Antigua. European influence is still prevalent today through the crossing of racial lines and shifting of cultures towards a more ‘civilized’ way of living. Colonialism is still prevalent today, in the form of postcolonialism. Postcolonialism can be defined as America’s benefaction to nations worldwide that include dynamic influences in things such as: government, culture, education and economy. One of the concepts erected from colonialism is globalization. Since globalization is a direct effect of colonialism, it is no surprise that globalization influences the same categories as postcolonialism (government, culture, education and economy), making the two concepts almost synonymous— with minimal differences. Globalization is defined as the integration of economics and communications of nations through increased contact by technology. Globalization dominates the economic and social side of the field while postcolonialism dwells in the cultural and educational aspects. This European ‘gift’ has contributed to global conflicts,

From: Romesh Dutt, The Economic History of India Under Early British Rule Englishmen…have given the people of India the greatest human blessing – peace. They have introduced Western education. This has brought an ancient and civilized nation in touch with modern thought, modern sciences and modern life. They have built an administration that is strong and efficient. They have framed wise laws and have established courts of justice.

The study of British colonialism is a rather new field with much to discuss and a lot more to debate. The recent recognition of new nation-states that were once under the control of Britain was a growing phenomenon and one that continues to play a large role in today’s global politics. Since the rather recent period of these new nations, new study’s have been done into the history of a) the peoples that inhabited the land before Britain, b) the way Britain occupied and control and land, and now c) post-Britain. This is a growing topic in the historical field because seventy-five years ago there was no thought that Britain would relieve control of India or Nigeria. That is why post-British colonialism is important to today, because it is a

Poor people had to share homes with other families or complete strangers because they could not afford a house. They lived in poor overcrowded housing. Numerous people were dying because diseases were being spread everywhere. They government should be responsible to protect the citizens going through this because the government can stop the poor conditions, they wanted to control civil order. Years later, they acknowledged their responsibility for the poor and for adjusting the economy.

diplomacy or military force. In the 20th century many European countries attempted to colonize the great continent of Africa. Europeans saw Africa as an area they would be able to profit from, as it had a great climate, good size, and some phenomenal natural resources. While the Europeans divided the continent of Africa they failed to see the possible negative effects on themselves, and the indigenous people of Africa. Their foresight was limited to only the positive outcomes.

Many nations wanted to expand their territory and gain control of natural resources that are nonnative. As a result, Imperialism began in the late nineteenth century due to economic, political, and social forces including the Industrial Revolution, trade, and military conditions. Imperialism is the domination over an undeveloped, less industrialized country by a stronger, more industrialized nation. Although Imperialism has shaped the culture and customs all over the world, it had both negative and positive impacts throughout imperialized nations. The Perspectives on imperialism varied widely between those who imposed it and those who were affected by it.

     In one of his most famous poems, Rudyard Kipling said, "Take up the white man's burden!" (146). He was only one of many who believed in the virtues of imperialism in the late nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. During that period, imperialism was on the rise, and Africa was being swallowed up by competing European nations. The imperialists had many arguments supporting imperialism. They said it was beneficial and, in some cases, essential. Their arguments did not satisfy everyone, but that did not bother them. The justifications ranged from economics to social services, while touching on everything else in between (Hayes 222-3).

The Colonial period is abundant in its source of influential people who help shape present society through questioning past beliefs. Martin Luther leads the Protestant Reformation. John Calvin expands on the idea of predestination. The Puritans live strictly by the word of the Bible, and the Quakers inspire many people to join them in their friendly lifestyle. All of these people contribute to our society today and brave the face of adversity.