Analyze the Impact of European Colonization on Africa’s...

SCHOOL OF DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DIPLOMACY COURSE: NORTH-SOUTH RELATIONS CODE: DIR 413 QUESTION: ANALYZE THE IMPACT OF EUROPEAN COLONIZATION ON AFRICA’S SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SYSTEM INTRODUCTION During the colonization of Africa, which was at its peak in the 18th and 19th century, the European powers of the time indulged in activities that changed and still continues to have multiple effects on the continent By 1875 European possessions in Africa consisted of some forts and trading posts along the coast and a few tiny colonies. Between 1880 and 1910, however, Africa was divided up among the Europeans. For the next 50 years decisions affecting Africa†¦show more content†¦Many people did not know which of these they were. The Belgians decided that anyone who owned more than ten cows was Tutsi. The Tutsi got the best education and jobs. Soon the Hutu were resentful, and a violent conflict began. In 1994, the conflict between the Hutu and the Tutsi escalated into a brutal civil war. The Tutsi were victorious and formed a new government in Rwanda Colonial rule therefore meant the effective eradication of African political power throughout the continent. b) ECONOMIC In economic terms, Africa was denied the opportunity of developing healthy trade links with parts of the world other than Europe and North America. Some trade persisted across the Indian Ocean, but on the whole it is fair to say that the roads in Africa led to the sea-ports and the sea-lanes led to Western Europe and North America. That kind of lop-sidedness is today part of the pattern of underdevelopment and dependence. Colonization is a system of economic domination, according to both Frantz Fanon. The sole basis of colonization is that of money, of robbing the wealth of the colonies. Colonization robbed Africans of their natural economies, pegging them into a state of stagnation as their society couldn’t advance when all the instruments of advancement lied under the control of the colonists. European colonization led to destruction of local systems, local economies, andShow MoreRelatedWalter Rodney Ctiticism1888 Words   |  8 Pagesactivities in Africa and the suffering of Africans premised in the imperialistic activities of Europeans in Africa. His critical work helps in the debate on the definition of African literature, for he brings out the historical connection that makes it possible to analyse African literature dealing with the pre- colonial and post- colonial phases of African history. He reveals political, economic and social circumstances that informed the sensibility of most African writers. 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