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Impact of European Imperialism and Colonialism in Africa

Explore the history of European imperialism and colonialism in Africa, from the Portuguese explorations to the challenges faced by newly independent nations. Learn about the legacy of disruption, exploitation, and challenges left behind by colonial rule on the African continent.

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Impact of European Imperialism and Colonialism in Africa

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  1. Imperialism/ Colonialism in Africa

  2. Imperialism • A stronger nation conquering a weaker nation in order to control its resources. • 1400s: The Portuguese begin exploring West Africa • New technology for longer ocean voyages • Purpose- looking for: • Gold • Direct route to India • Later: convert to Christianity • Gain power in Africa Avoiding Muslims in N. Africa

  3. Slavery Increases Interest In Africa • Practiced in many civilizations: • China, • Parts of Africa • Egypt, • Rome • Greece • Europeans take slavery worldwide • Justifications: • Nationalism • Pride in one’s country usually demonstrated through military • Feelings of racial and religious superiority

  4. Discovery of the Americas • Europeans needed to remove/ process natural resources from the New World • How? • Trade goods (guns, alcohol) for slaves to work fields for tobacco, sugar, etc.

  5. Triangular Trade • Europe to Africa • Guns, alcohol • Africa to Americas • Slaves • Americas to Europe • Sugar, rum, tobacco

  6. Colonialism • A stronger nation conquering a weaker nation, occupies it, and replaces its governments with its own representatives.

  7. European Colonialism in Africa • 1800s: Europeans begin to move into the interior of Africa • Reasons for increased Colonialism: • Global Power • Need to keep up with other nations • Control Resources • Convert to Christianity

  8. Partition of Africa (1895) • European nations clash in “The Scramble For Africa” • Possible war • Partition of Africa • 14 European nations meet to divide Africa amongst themselves. • Create most of the national borders which still exist • 2 nations remain Independent • Ethiopia: Repelled Italy • Liberia: Connections to the US

  9. End of Imperialism in Africa

  10. Why did it end? • The people of Africa: • Resented European presence in their land • Resented the inequities of colonialism

  11. WWI/ WWII • The wars: • Proved that Europeans can be beaten • Increased resistance in parts of Africa • Drained European power and will to control colonies

  12. 1950’s & 1960’s • Europe leaves many African nations to become independent • By 1970s most African nations were free of the European powers and were independent nations

  13. Challenges for the new nations • Who is in charge? • Tribal/ ethnic rivalries • What type of government? • Authoritarian? • Democracy? • Communism?

  14. Legacy of Colonialism • Social and Cultural Disruption • Europeans encouraged Africans to change their culture

  15. Legacy of Colonialism • Underdeveloped Human Potential  Most Africans used as labor  No African leadership encouraged  Little wealth in African hands

  16. Legacy of Colonialism 3. Weak Infrastructure & Exploited Resources • Europeans built infrastructure: • Roads, hospitals, bridges, etc • Built to increase profit (not to benefit the people) • Much of the continent left with little infrastructure

  17. Legacy of Colonialism • Destroyed Trade  Before Colonialism: - most trade was within Africa - External trade was with the Middle East  Colonialism destroyed those patterns & contacts - Therefore, they were still dependent on Europe for trade

  18. Legacy of Conquest • Colonial Boundaries  1885: Partition of Africa - 14 European nations meet to divide Africa - Ethnic groups divided - rival ethnic groups within same nation - this encouraged war after independence

  19. Legacy of Colonialism • Colonial Governments were a poor role model  Democracy discouraged  Power through violence  Corruption

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