The Effects of Colonialism in the Late 1800s

Colonialism In Africa: Late 1800s

Jacob Boida

Firas Macany

Martino Thomas

The Conference of Berlin

Fourteen European nations met for the Conference of Berlin. The fourteen countries were Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway, the Ottoman Empire, and the United States of America.

The purpose of the conference was to peacefully split up Africa amongst all the countries. The only problem with that was that they did not ask the inhabitants what they thought of this.

What is Colonialism?

Changing Lives In Africa

Before the Europeans arrived, the Africans had slaves of their own. When colonists arrived, the africans started selling each other into slavery in order to gain individual freedom. It is safe to say that the Europeans turned the Africans against each other.

Downfalls of Direct and Indirect Rule

Indirect rule was a system of rule set up in one nation, by another nation. Great Britain was known for using indirect rule the most. With indirect rule, the governed people retain certain positions in government and even get few legal rights. The problem with indirect rule is that corruption is easy to come by when you have the people you are enslaving, running your government. Direct Rule is when the central government controls all states or provinces. France was known best to run by direct rule. When it comes to direct rule, the population being governed has absolutely no political voice. Therefore, the down side to direct rule is that the governed may grow embittered and rebel.

Colonialism is the control or governing influence of a nation over a dependent country, territory, or people.

"White Man's Grave" 1780-1850

"White Man's Grave" when interpreted, means Africa is no place for a white man to work. This is because of the scorching heat, the swarming insects, and fever-laden swamps. When the Europeans tried settling in Africa, they realized they could not tolerate the working conditions. Also, the primitive tribes, tribes that have been there the longest, posed a great threat because they knew the land like the back of their hand. This meant that the tribal people had sort of a "home field advantage" when it came to fighting off colonists.

Conclusion to the Article

In conclusion to the article, politics have ruined what seemed to be peace in South Africa. From peaceful family run tribes in the 1800s, to the blood ridden, corrupt politics of today's world. Europe is to blame for this contrivance. If it wasn't for colonialism, we believe politics and political violence would not be an issue in Africa today. We believe that Africans would have maintained their cultural structure and family based tribes.

Modern Day Politics: South Africa

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/world/africa/south-africa-corruption-fuels-battle-for-political-spoils.html?ref=africa&_r=0

Warrant Chiefs in Southern West Africa

Colonial leaders appointed warrant chiefs in West Africa to act as local representatives of the British. The Brits failed to realize some parts of Africa were unfamiliar with chiefs or kings. The new power given to these chiefs led to an exercise of power and authority uncommon in precolonial times. Warrant chiefs also used their power to accumulate wealth at the expense of their subjects.