Presentation on the theme Colonization in Africa

Outline

Introduction

                         I.            Definition of colonization

                  II.            Causes of colonization

           III.            The Manifestations

          IV.            -1) Drawbacks of Colonization

          IV.            -2) Advantages of Colonization

Conclusion

Sources: Internet and our own knowledge.

Introduction

The colonization of Africa started from 1870 and 1900. Africa faced European imperialist aggression, diplomatic pressures, military invasions and eventual conquest and colonization. At the same time African societies put up various forms of resistance against the attempt to colonize their countries and impose foreign domination. By the early twentieth century however much of Africa except Ethiopia and Liberia, had been colonized by European powers.

  

                                          I.            Definition of Colonization:

Colonization is extension of political and economic control over an area by a state whose nationals have occupied the area and usually possess organizational or technological superiority over the native population. It may consist simply in a migration of national to the territory, or it may be the formal assumption of control over the territory by military or civil representatives of dominant power. Over population, economic distress, social unrest and religious persecution in the home country may be factors that cause colonization, but imperialism, more or less aggressive humanitarianism and desire for adventure or individual improvement are also causes. Colonization may be stated policy, or it may be a private project sponsored by chartered corporations or by associations and individuals. Before colonization can be affected, the indigenous population must be subdued and assimilated or converted to the culture of the colonist; otherwise, a modus Vivendi must be established by the imposition of a treaty or an alliance.

                                      II.            The Causes of colonization:

The European imperialist push into Africa was motivated by three main factors, economic, political and social. It developed in the nineteenth century following the collapse of the profitability of the slave trade, its abolition and suppression, as well as the expansion of the European capitalist Industrial Revolution. The imperatives of capitalist industrialization-including the demand for assured sources of raw materials, the search for guaranteed markets and profitable investment outlets-spurred the European scramble and the partition and eventual conquest of Africa. Thus the primary motivation for European intrusion was economic. But others factors played an important role in the process. The political impetus derived from the impact of inter-European power struggles and competition for preeminence. Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain were competing for power within European power politics. The way to demonstrate national preeminence was through the acquisition of territories around the world, including Africa. The social factor was the third major element. As a result of industrialization major social problems grew in Europe: unemployment, poverty, homelessness, social displacement from rural areas, and so on. This social problem developed partly because not all people could be absorbed by the new capitalist industries. The way to resolve this problem was to acquire colonies and export this ‘’surplus population’’. This led to the establishment of settler- colonies in Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, and central African areas like Zimbabwe and Zambia. Eventually the overriding economic factors led to the colonization of other part of Africa.

                                  III.            The Manifestations:

The colonists had their arguments to support this system of exploitation. The defenders of colonialism and imperialism pleaded their case in terms of white man’s burden. They argued that it was the obligation of advanced nations to help the people of ‘’backward’’ countries to “civilize” and to “Christianize” them and ‘’to teach” them the dignity of labour, and to impress upon them the beauties of their own concepts of law and order.

The Missionaries: European missionaries especially from Portugal, France, Britain, and German went to Africa under the premise of going to convert the locals to Christianity. However, they actually aided in the colonization of Africans by Europeans. In many cases Christian conversion looked more like European capitalist conversion. Missionaries came with the attitude that all things European were superior. Most missionaries like David Livingstone and Fabri of German Missionary society in Namibia believed that once Africans were colonized by European countries, they would be more likely- to seek after Western Education and Christianity which the missionaries controlled. It was their mission to do anything necessary to convert Africans who were viewed as uncivilized and barbaric. Missionaries often failed to distinguish between  Christian principles and those of the colonialists. They misused biblical passages such as: The message preached by missionaries encouraged Africans to rebel against everything that formed the foundation of African family and society.

The Merchants: They materialized imperialism by various contacts with local populations. The trades’ agreements signed subsequently took the nature of true protectorate treaties (such as the German treaty between Douala Edward Schmidt and Duala chiefs) . They were organized in the company charter. E.g: The Royal Niger company, the East India Company, the Companies Jantzen & Thormahle .

The Militaries : They used force wherever missionaries, merchants and explorers encountered difficulties. This is from the conquests they established the European domination in Africa. Among the main military, we have: Baratieri , Lord Clive Roberts , Baden Powell , Lord Horatio Herbert Kitchener, Gouraud , Marchand, Gentil.

The assembly formed by the military - merchant - missionary triad corresponds perfectly to the ferryste¹ doctrine. The trinomial summarizes it all European lusts on the continent.

1-Indeed, the official doctrine of the French colonial imperialism, as Jules Ferry had developed, had been based on a threefold argument: humanitarian, economic and political.

                                   IV.            1- Drawbacks of colonization:

Unfamiliar system of government. A complete loss of culture, loss of land ownership in general. A lack of respect for traditions. Enforced religious views,  risk of diseases. Taxes imposed by the colonialists. Dominant class that comes with the colonial power. The native people are considered savage and of no worth whatsoever, therefore lack of respect. Living condition drastically changed because land gets taken away. Native way of life is forcefully changed, economic dependant, Slavery, displacement and division.

                                  IV.            2- Advantages:

In theory, Christian theology promotes equality and education for all. The killing of twins is exposed as a primitive and horrific practice and stopped in the name of the colonizers. The evil forest used as a depository for abnormalities.

The way in which newborn and toddler deaths are dealt with and the ways in which their cadavers are mutilated.

The sexism and the violence with which women are treated.

African have got development from outside:

v Infrastructure (roads, water, air, electricity, telecom, etc.)

v Written history.

Conclusion:

Colonization is considered as a political system which European powers used to conquer many African countries. In fact, they used the system of 3M (Missionaries, Merchants and Militaries) to colonize some African countries. The result is that Africa is led into a chaotic situation. Thus, we note the disqualification of our cultures or identities, disappearance of African rulers which could certainly contribute to the development of Africa.