African Colinization
gabe978The colonization of Africa
Colonies in control of Africa: 1900
The colonization of Africa was a huge conflict that happened between 1870 and 1900. The social, economic and political aspect had a huge impact on the colonization of Africa. During this time, all of the colonial powers of Europe were in the midst of conquering the entirety of Africa. The whole idea of one European country fighting with another was solely based on each individual country wanting to be the superior nation within the continent. This whole "act" was known as the Scramble For Africa. The Scramble For Africa is probably the most well-known instance during that time period (as well as continuing for many years after) for European countries conferring and fighting to conquer more African land to help improve their political status. The colonization of Africa was an insanely brutal and horrific time period for black Africans. They were used as slaves, sexually, physically, and physiologically harrassed.
Rise of capitalism
The rise of a capitalist society led to the colonization of Africa through having the possibility of new land, assured raw goods, and materials, as well as having free slaves sitting there, wait for them to be put to work (this is all part of the capitalist view, not mine). The rise of capitalism meant more and more private owners were profiting. In their eyes, Africa would be seen as a giant money sign for them. The rise of capitalism led to the colonization through having the capitalists see many opportunities inside the continent of Africa.
These are two images that negatively portray capitalism
Industrialization
The industrialization of European colonies had a huge impact on the colonization of Africa, through implementing new ways to create weapons, clothes, etc. As well as Europe's desire to conquest, and many other factors. There were a lot of elements that pushed European countries to conquer Africa, but one of the main ones is the industrialization of Europe. Over the past few centuries, Europe has been one of most technologically advanced continents. With new ideas continuing to pop up, Europe needed some more land and resources to continue growing. The new African land meant new European devices, ideas and many other things. Prior to the colonization of Africa, Europe was in a deep depression and in need of new resources. Some Europeans did not agree with the capitalist and industrialist point of view, that is partially why European countries conquered Africa, to create settlements for Europeans to "start again".
Industries in the mid 1800's
Eurocentrism
Another main purpose for this colonization was a Eurocentric perspective. The Europeans saw the African peoples as inferior beings. This belief gave the Europeans a sense of righteousness in conquering and marginalizing the black Africans. The Europeans believed that they were doing right by conquering and assimilating Africans into their society (eventually). The Europeans saw Africa as a literal gold mine, with new land, resources, and people that they deserve to have. A large amount of the European colonies were in a depression of sorts, previous to the colonization of Africa. And this was their way of digging themselves out of that giant hole of economic, social and political depression.
A cartoon of Europeans seeing the world as theirs
Imperialism
Europe is the main continent that has extended itself all over the world, creating some of the most powerful nations in the world. So basically they were used to it. In the past, Europe has
imperialized many other places, all in favor of themselves, as well with only their own positive outcome in mind. Europe imperialized Africa with many positives floating around in their minds. Some positives would have been power, riches, as well as many others. At the time Europe was in need of some new land to help push Europe back into a political and economic powerhouse.
An image of the Soviet and America's colonial dominaation
The African perspective
There are a few different African perspectives I could choose from, but I've decided to choose the African "commoner'". The commoner is the everyday African, who were taken and used as slaves. These people saw the colonization of their motherland as a terrible thing, they lost their land, family and many other things. When the Europeans imperialized the Africans, the African colonies, villages and houses were mauled and exploited by the Europeans. The Africans saw their whole lives get shredded apart in a matter of a few years. Everything they knew was ripped out from under them and replaced by white men shoving them in cages. The Africans saw this as a treacherous time for their country and people.
A slave auction where a family is up for bids
European colonizers view of the colonization
The European perspective would be a very Eurocentric perspective. In the Europeans eyes, they would have seen it as uncivilized savages who have nothing to live for anyways. They saw them as peoples who were just waiting to be colonized and under command. The Europeans saw Africans as an uncultivated group of barbarians who don't deserve the land and resources that they have. In the Europeans eyes, the land was theirs for the taking. And so were the people, their rugged features were viewed as if they were not human, and instead some type of animal. They were seen as "pack donkeys". Overall the Europeans perspective was very racist and negligent.
Images of Europes vie on Africans
