Imperialism is defined as the extension or rule or influence by one government, nation, or society over the political, economic, or cultural life of another ("Imperialism-). Since it always involves the use of power whether military force or some subtler form, imperialism has often been considered morally reprehensible. African imperialism was no different. European nations decided they wanted land in the mostly unexplored continent, and they took it, without the consent of the African people (Pakenham 34). .
Evidence of the existence of imperialistic empires dates back to the dawn of written history, when local rulers extended their realms by conquering other states. Ancient imperialism reached its climax under the Roman Empire in Europe, but it never extended elsewhere (Pakenham 46). In the West, imperialism was reborn with the emergence of the modern nation-state and the Age of Exploration and discovery. During this Age of Exploration, Europeans had built a few trading posts on the coasts of Africa, but for centuries they had little direct influences on the lives of most Africans. In the late 1800's a dramatic change took place. The Industrial Revolution began and the growth of nationalism strengthened European nations. As the nations of Europe industrialized, they started looking overseas for new markets and resources. Africa, which had been largely unknown to Europeans, now became the focus of their attention (Beers 560). .
Until the 1870's, the Europeans had little interest in Africa. In the 1600's and 1700's, the Portuguese and Dutch had established forts and trading posts along the African coast. The British and French had also acquired outposts. However, they used these posts only for trade, not as bases for conquest (Beers 563). .
Between 1870 and 1914, a dramatic development occurred. The entire African continent came under European rule, with the exception of Liberia and Ethiopia.
But when European Imperialism came to Africa many new, good things were introduced. ... Thus, Imperialism is justifiable. When Imperialism came to Africa, Europeans brought new medicines that cured many diseases that were killing many people. ... Imperialism in Africa is rather a blessing than a misfortune. People say that Imperialism was a plague that hit Africa and destroyed culture, took people away, and stole the Africans land. ...
Western European imperialism in Africa greatly influenced the economic, cultural, and military development of countries in that area. ... All in all, imperialism formed Africa into a global economy on unequal terms, and a provider of raw materials and cash crops. ... Western European imperialism resulted in cultural disorientation in Africa. ... African culture was greatly disorientated because of imperialism, and replaced with the culture of the Western Europeans. Also, imperialism exceedingly weakened and disabled the militaries of many African countries. ...
Economic causes also led to imperialism. ... Imperialism also had its negative side. ... Much of Africa suffers from restrictive trading patterns established during the age of European imperialism. ... This was known as the Scramble for Africa. ... Imperialism caused much turmoil and commotion, but also created much opportunity for civilization in West Africa to flourish and prosper. ...
Imperialism There are many different causes and effects of European Imperialism on the continent of Africa. ... One general cause of Imperialism in the mid 1800s- mid 1900s is Nationalism. ... Another cause of Imperialism is Economics. ... An immediate effect of new Imperialism was that the Europeans claim and conquered large empires in Africa and Asia. ... There are still connections today from new imperialism. ...
The New Imperialism which took place in Asia and Africa had many motives besides what was called, "the white man's burden"(which said that it was the "civilized peoples duty" to civilize those who were "less" civilized than themselves) some of these motives were economic motives because of the resources these continents had that Western countries was lacking and that we in high demand; also political and military motives such as controlling more land and expanding their "civilized" lifestyles were a part of the New Imperialism. ... Africa was the main continent to be "had" because of th...
Western Imperialism Western Imperialism had a tremendous impact on the continent of Africa. ... Imperialism subjugated African resources to every extent. The main impact that imperialism had on the continent of Africa was felt by the native people. ... Imperialism did not benefit Africa as well as it benefited Westernization. Africa is still struggling to recuperate from imperialism and slavery....
All of the Africans were happy with their own economy and political system before the Age of Imperialism. Imperialism is the main trigger to the current situation in Africa where there are epidemic, slavery and famine. ... One of the most famous examples of European countries racing to colonize is "Scramble for Africa" in the late 1800s when Europeans were deciding which part of Africa they should take without the approval of Africans. ... Due to European imperialism, Africans suffered and many died of diseases such as malaria and small pox: "Europeans brought with them many ne...
Imperialism changed everything in the past. When the Europeans used imperialism in Africa and Asia, they changed the people's lives. ... Most of Africa today is full of white people. ... Imperialism affected Africa and Asia's lives. ... Imperialism pushed the Europeans into war against Africa and Asia or even against some other country for competition. ...
Countries like Africa, and India, were severely impacted both positively and negatively from the imperialism by the west. ... Some positive effects of western imperialism were the new advancements such as medicine that was brought to Africa. ... An example of the violence that went on during the time of the imperialism was the great quarrel over South Africa. ... The major difference between Western Imperialism is that in Africa there were more than two powerful groups fighting for the territories. ... The imperialism that occurred in Africa and India had more similarities than different. ...
