...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...
Words: 840 - Pages: 4
...European colonization led to certain countries in western Africa’s development in both positive and negative ways. The need for African slaves for Europeans came from a demand for a labor force to work the land in the Caribbean Islands. European colonization in Africa reaches back to Ghana in the late fourteenth century. From the fifteenth century and beyond, Ghana was a major slave exporter for the Europeans to the Caribbean and Europe. In Ghana, relationships were formed with political powers to produce and maintain European slave trading posts on its coast. The African response to European colonization varied. Middle and low class Africans suffered greatly as they supplied the slave force. In contrast, Africans who held power or were wealthy profited as they provided the slaves for trade. In both the past and Achebe’s novel, European colonization in Africa was both highly demanded and discouraged. Prior to colonizing for slave trade, Ghana was known as the “Gold Coast” to the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and English. (Richard, “The Gold Coast Slave Trade”) Only gold and resources were traded between Ghana and Europe. Similar to Sierra Leone, Europeans made their way to Ghana in the fifteenth century, building fortified trading posts along the “Gold Coast”. This area was militant protected which often caused conflicts with inhabitants. Europeans formed relationships with those in political power, which allowed them to colonize parts of Ghana, and also have a consistent source...
Words: 1638 - Pages: 7
...Reasons why Europe Colonized Asia and Africa and not the Other Way Round Student’s Name: Institutional affiliation: Colonization is the governing influence, control or acquiring partial or full political control past another country, occupying it with foreign settlers and manipulating it economically. It also is when a group or society of people migrates from one area to another but keep their original homeland language and culture. Colonialism is establishment and preservation for a lengthy period, of rule over foreign people that are independent from and subordinate to a power ruling. Colonialism takes a variety of forms. There are three basic variations namely; I. Internal colonialism II. External colonization by the neighboring states. III. External colonization This refers to the so called ‘salt and water’ colonization whereby ‘aliens colonized distant places (Keal, 2003). This characterizes Europe’s expansion to America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. The first wave of European colonization and exploitation started in America in the 15th century until early in the 19th century (Tmh, 2010). It primarily involved the colonization of the Americans by the Europeans. The second extensive phase of European exploratory ventures and colonization was primarily focused on Asia and Africa. It was also known as the era of new imperialism. History of Colonialism in Africa and Asia by the Europeans Between the historical times...
Words: 2886 - Pages: 12
...Partridge World History to 1750 Professor Schultz Colonization and the First Globalization In order for one to gain a better knowledge of how terrestrial and ocean colonization unfolded in the Americas, Siberia, Africa, and China, a person must first understand the definition of colonization. Simply put, colonization is an ongoing process of control by which a central system of power dominates the surrounding land and its components. This means that a foreign government moves into the land and seizes control; gaining power, natural resources, and a larger economy. In the year 1492, an Italian explorer by the name of Christopher Columbus set out on an expedition departing from Spain in search of a faster ocean route to reach Asia. Him and his crew set foot on an island in the Bahamas 36 days after deporting from Spain. While in the Bahamas, Columbus and his men visited a total of three islands and built a settlement on Hispaniola Island with salvaged wreckage from one of their ships. Convinced he had reached Asia, he then set sail back to Spain with the two remaining ships. Columbus failed to find what he set out for – a new route to Asia along with the riches it promised, and he passed away short of success in 1506. However, Columbus was still successful in other terms. He is credited with the discovery of the New World and opening the Americas for European colonization. Following Columbus’s discovery, European nations that were on the Atlantic Rim exploited the riches...
Words: 2308 - Pages: 10
...Africa-Non Western Culture HUMA215-1205B-09 Unit 4 Individual Project LaToya Marible February 3, 2013 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the non western culture that Africa had to endure in the end of the 19th century. This paper explains what the “loss of centeredness” means. After reading this paper you would understand how the Africans during this time dealt with situations that took place. You also will learn about the big changes that were going on during this time as well. Africa-Non Western Culture The country that chose to focus on is Africa. When the Europeans started the colonization process there was so many changes in the world and the longstanding traditions of millions of people around the world began to be seen as inferior and/or secondary to that of the European. Africa is continent not a group. In the end of the 19th the biggest changes began. In 1884, a conference was held in Berlin with several major European powers, including representatives of Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway (union until 1905), and the Ottoman Empire. It was at this historic conference that these representatives began what was known as the 'Scramble for Africa', and "carved it up," agreeing with each other which vast areas of land would become the possession of which European country. Again, there were some European men that decided what country would have the...
Words: 914 - Pages: 4
...In “The Causes and Motivations for the Scramble for Africa” by Stephen Pinkerton this article, it explains that the motivations that in the late nineteenth century, that Europeans and Americans progressively believed that they were bound to extend their way of culture abroad.New Imperialism Era that Europe gained global power through expansion and colonization. They society and economy in Africa were disrupted due to settlers.The European hunger for resources and markets caused decades of armed conflicts and thousands of deaths and lastly Africa resulted in being extremely diverse. The author Pinkerton also compared the colonization of Africa to “the White Man's Burden” a poem by English man about the Philippines. 1899. About how it was the...
Words: 347 - Pages: 2
...Early Colonization Ethnic and cultural diversity is an internationally shared social experience. In today’s society several countries possess “natives” of different ethnicity. Many ethnicity who are believed to be original natives of their country are usually descendants of colonists or a race made up of a mixture of ethnicity from a particular region. Early colonialism is one cause for such diversity. Colonization is the establishment of a colony through the organized migration to an outside territory. From the 1600’s to 1800’s Western Europeans were the colonized groups dominating many parts of the world for a variety of reasons. Many conquest to other countries were to discover natural resources like, spices, gold and other trade-able material unique to its region. Some expedition set out to explore for other reasons like proving a theory or to follow up on stories told by their fellow explorers. Once reaching their destination, other factors made them stay such as the discovery of monetary gain, religious freedom and political powers. While some countries like China, were unable to become colonized, others were dominated to the extent of their people eventually becoming a minority in their own land. Imperialistic ambition was a major element in the colonization of many third world countries. As immigrants settled on foreign soil, they believed they were legitimately entitled to occupy the land. They eventually impose their economic, religion, and social systems onto an...
Words: 2076 - Pages: 9
...early 1880s, European countries started to show interest in Africa due to its natural resources. By the late 19th century Africa was divided up and European countries started extending their power by seizing control and making colonies. The motives behind European countries taking over Africa have to do with political, social, and economic benefits. The purpose behind controlling Africa was the political motives European countries had, including national pride and competition. In Document A it shows Africa being divided due to the Berlin Conference, which was regulated for European trade and colonization in 1884. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Spain were the countries that divided Africa due to national competition. The race for African territory to prove that each European country was better than the other caused different borders, leaving only two independent African states. “She must found colonies as fast and as far as she [England] is able… seizing every piece of fruitless waste ground she can set her foot on,” (John Ruskin, Doc B). “Would be wise if we Germans would learn about colonial skills… and would begin-in a friendly competition-to strive after them [British],”...
Words: 848 - Pages: 4
...GKE1 Task 3 Part A. The rise of New Imperialism in Africa began in 1881 and ran through 1914. Looking to expand their empires, European countries looked to Africa as its size and benefits became evident. The invasion of Africa began as a paper conquest, conducted in the drawing rooms of European capitals. Once they arrived in Africa, leaders and footmen took the ideas from Europe and put them into action on the ground. They conquered weak African chiefs and signed treaties with the powerful ones. Soon after arriving, treaties were thrown aside and the conquest began. Having far more resources and a technical advantage, European countries rolled through to central Africa. The strong firepower of the Europeans crushed most if not all of the African resistance. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was the highlight of European competition for territory in Africa. France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and King Leopold II of Belgium together had acquired thirty new African colonies. They came together to negotiate their claims to African territory. They were then formalized and divided into forty new political units, subsequently displacing 110 million Africans. These units were drawn as straight lines with no regards for the villages, ethnic groups and African kingdoms. (scramble for Africa, 2015) Part A1 The indigenous people of Africa originally trusted Europeans. They believed the treaties they signed were merely a formality and based upon friendship...
Words: 939 - Pages: 4
...Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia (now known as Ethiopia) is a clear demonstration of the mindset of Europeans on imperialism during the late nineteenth century into the early twentieth century. Beginning with the assumption that they were racially superior to the people of Africa and Abyssinia, Italy believed that it had a right to colonize Abyssinia. They used whatever means necessary, including extreme violence, to win the war against the Abyssinians. Originally, in 1896, Italy had tried to invade Abyssinia, but had been defeated at the Battle of Adowa. However, they maintained their territory around Abyssinia. In October of 1935, just seven years after the 1928 peace treaty between the two countries, Italy began to organize on the Border of...
Words: 743 - Pages: 3
...African art consist of shrines, wood carving, and in my biased; different ceremonies, or what one held or thought to be true can be considered as a form of art in itself. African art was sometimes from those of low status or ranking who would create some of the most beautiful art sculptures and pieces by hand however; this work would be made the property of some wealthy individuals, who would then use the art to enhance ones’ own authority. Since the beginning of time Africa has been called mother Africa because of her many contributions that she has given to this world. Africa is the world’s second largest continent, stretching near 8,000 kilometers from South Africa to Egypt. Africa has birthed the indigenous people as well as the ancient Kush, and civilizations that have impacted the past as well as the present. The essence of Africa and what she contains continues to inspire and uplift humanity. Africa was once a culturally enriched continent hat once consisted of many deities and sacred buildings, before colonization took place. Gods and goddesses were once seen as serving their role, catering to the first people who were harmonious with planet earth. The African eye saw things from a holistic view; where everything including the trees, insects, the elements of the earth, were all embraced and intertwined together, no one or no-thing were deemed as purposeless. The mind, body, and spirit was viewed as a whole, this helped create the since of “wholeness” that would link generations...
Words: 1651 - Pages: 7
...idea of colonialism sparked. The European industrial revolution was a time that Europeans were forced to find additional resources and placement for the surplus of people that were not as fortunate as the rich capitalist in Europe. Poverty and homelessness were on the rise due to the surplus of people that couldn’t be absorbed in the system. The Europeans thought to solve the economic issue by migrating to Africa to acquire colonies and export sources, such as raw materials. The settlers set up colonies in parts South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. This led to a movement called “scramble for Africa”. Africa was divided for control of people, power, resources and goods. The “Scramble for Africa” is an example of colonialism. The European countries of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Belgium came into Africa to try to expand their territory and exploit the African people. The new borders created during the Berlin conference would force the indigenous people to share citizenship with other ethnic groups and governments. These borders still remain. To prevent wars and conflict between the Europeans and the indigenous people, treaties were created. (Wikipedia, 2014). The Berlin conference, initiated by Otto von Bismarck, laid down ground rules for the participating countries to even out competition and decrease chances of conflict amongst themselves. After the country was divided, treaties created between the Europeans and the Africans. These treaties were...
Words: 1011 - Pages: 5
...of this paper is to Describe how European global exploration, particularly the Portuguese and Spanish, from 1500-1700, changed the character of both old and new societies. In the fifteenth century, European global expansionism was the driving force that kept the English motivated to expand. Europeans set out on a cycle of overseas voyages that would lead to the organization of European trading posts and colonies in both the Americas and the East. Colonialism is defined as a structure in a colony with a specific linkage; meaning economic, political, cultural, and social ideologies. The colonies linked England to the United States. England, being the mother country, also had a very important role play. The mother country was responsible for providing money for supplies for voyages such as ships, food, soldiers, and weapons etc. Also, England was responsible for the processing and manufacturing of raw materials. Settlers of the colonies needed markets to sell their goods and labor. They also needed a source of labor for the production of raw materials. This new labor force was made up of Native Americans, indentured servants (white slaves who served terms of up to seven years as slaves), and Africans. Columbus and his crew stated that when they arrived in the Americas they found Africans already there. In 1502, the Spanish were the first Europeans to enslave Africans in the Americas. Yet the local population died from European diseases like smallpox and from overwork...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
...american indiansThe Effects of Colonization on the Native Americans Native Americans had inherited the land now called America and eventually their lives were destroyed due to European Colonization. When the Europeans arrived and settled, they changed the Native American way of life for the worst. These changes were caused by a number of factors including disease, loss of land, attempts to export religion, and laws, which violated Native American culture. Native Americans never came in contact with diseases that developed in the Old World because they were separated from Asia, Africa, and Europe when ocean levels rose following the end of the last Ice Age. Diseases like smallpox, measles, pneumonia, influenza, and malaria were unknown to the Native Americans until the Europeans brought these diseases over time to them. This triggered the largest population decline in all recorded history. Fifty percent of the Native American population had died of disease within twenty years. Soon after, Native Americans began to question their religion and doubted the ability of shamen to heal. This was the first step towards the destruction of Native cultures. The Native Americans had never experienced anything like these deadly diseases before and they came to believe that Europeans had the power to kill or give life. Many Native groups, because they were nomadic, didn't see land as belonging to one person. The idea that someone could come in, claim a piece of land and ban them...
Words: 478 - Pages: 2
...the late 1800’s to early 1900’s the Europeans started the colonialism of Africa. Europeans chose to use their power to take over Africa for several reasons. Europe wanted to prove its political power and one way to do so would be to acquire new territories. Europe was also over populated in some areas and so they sent some of their population to Africa new establish new colonies. Europe also had an economic reason to exploit Africa. Africa’s territory would be able to provide much needed raw materials and would help with capitalist industrialization by meeting this demand (2011 Africana). This would also provide a much-needed monetary investment for Europe. The Europeans took over control of the waterways and other routes used for industrial purposes in different areas of Africa. Africa was such a promising place for many other countries to consider colonizing so there was urgency for Europeans to claim their stake in Africa (2011 Africana). There was a concern that it could even lead to wars with other countries trying to take over Africa at the same time as Europe. A German chancellor named Otto von Bismarck helped to protect Europe’s interest in Africa and scheduled what is know as the Berlin Conference (2011 Africana). This conference resulted in the Berlin Act to put into place. This was a treaty that would give standards for conduct of the European inter-imperialist competition that could possibly take place in Africa. Africans did not have a say so...
Words: 473 - Pages: 2
