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European Imperialism: The Impact Of European Colonization Of Africa

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European exploration and settlement of Africa was originally limited to the coast. The internal Africa was harder to access for Europeans because of many reasons such as, rough terrain, hostile natives, and disease risks. As the the technological advancements improved and industrialism took over, European advancements in communication, transportation, and medicines to treat malaria allowed Europeans to access parts of Africa they hadn’t to been able to colonize previously. The first representative of European countries in Africa were majorly missionaries interested in assisting to the pagan tribes. Their first priority was to stop the slave trade that had caused damage previously. The portuguese were the first Europeans to initiate permanent settlements along …show more content…
There was also a sense of self-esteem building as countries raced to have power over territories that were much larger than themselves. The German Chancellor, initiated the West African conference in 18884. Ambassadors from various countries attended and agreed to notify all participating countries of any new African conquests Europe’s colonizing nations felt attracted to Africa for its natural resources. Europe's industrialization required raw materials to continue, and many of its countries were also interested in civilizing and converting Africans to Christianity, and ending the slave trade. Unfortunately, one crucial result of the European migration of Africa was the mistreatment of Native Africans by colonizers. The Belgian Congo is one example of the abuses of native Africans by European settlers. Leopold II of Belgium had been entrusted of getting the Belgian Congo colony up and starting. However, through this, Leopold allowed the natives to be treated like animals and slaves. Although they began to end slavery, Europe's colonies increased the trade of slaves in early

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