European Colonization of Africa

What were the effects of European colonialism on Africa?

Think About

• Why did Europe set up colonies in Africa?

• What were European views towards African cultures?

• What were the effects of European colonialism on Africa?

• What challenges did African countries face when they regained their independence?

Africa before colonization

• Empires

– Kingdom of Mali in west Africa

– Great Zimbabwe in southern Africa

– Controlled trade routes

– Produced gold, diamonds

Africa before colonization

• African cultures

– Traditional societies

– Animism • Worship of animals and

environmental features

• Practiced primarily in central Africa

Test Question

Triangular Slave Trade

• African slave trade during the 16th and 17th centuries

– Contributed to the diffusion of African cultures across several continents

Forced migration-where did the

majority of these people go?

Why colonize Africa?

1. Europeans were looking for trade routes to Asia

2. Africa had the raw materials Europe needed to fuel its industrial economy – Timber – Gold – Rubber – Palm oil – Ivory

3. Wanted to establish markets to sell and trade European goods

Industrial Revolution

Berlin Conference (1884-1885)

• Rules for dividing Africa among European powers – European leaders claimed African territory – European leaders needed to show that it could control

the territory

• No African ruler was invited

• New territories did not consider ethnic regions – Disrupted systems of government (stateless societies) – Grouped traditional enemies together

Why does this matter?

During colonial rule

Justification for colonization

• European’s perception of African cultures – Tribal structures were less

developed

• European dominated the people and land to ensure the continued use of Africa’s natural resources.

Colonial rule

• White European minority had the power.

• Majority of black Africans were kept uneducated.

• Black Africans had limited economic opportunities.

Test Question

Test Question

The division of Africa is cited as one of the root causes of modern political and ethnic violence.

King Leopold II

• Wanted to open the African interior to European trade along the Congo River

• Used the Congo for his personal wealth

• Forced to give up control of the Congo when Belgian citizens discovered how he was treating workers in Africa

The 1960’s-1970’s

• Problems

– European powers had not prepared nations for independence

– Left countries with poor infrastructure

– People were divided within the countries

– Inexperienced leaders = corruption

• Many African countries gained their independence

Long-term Effects of Colonization

1. Loss of resources

2. Disruption of political systems

3. Cultural and ethnic oppression