The Colonization of Africa: Causes, Consequences, and Impact

The Colonization of Africa

Causes of Colonization

• Finance capitalism: The rise of finance capitalism during this period led to the need for new markets and sources of raw materials and energy outside of Europe.
• White supremacy: White people felt superior to the indigenous people of Africa and believed it was their duty to bring their culture and religion to them.
• Overpopulation and unemployment: The growth of the population in Europe and the use of machinery in factories had caused high levels of unemployment, leading people to seek new opportunities abroad.

Steps of Colonization

1. Occupation: The land was occupied by conquest, thanks to the military advantage of the colonizers.
2. Administration: Political and administrative control was established by military commanders and governors.
3. Economic exploitation: The colonial economy was organized to exploit natural resources and the indigenous population for the benefit of the colonizing power.

Type of Colony

The colony became an exploitation colony, in which the indigenous population was governed by a white minority that exploited the area economically.

Consequences of Colonization

Political

* Political rivalry between colonizing powers, leading to war (e.g., World War I)

Economic

* Loss of traditional resources and means of survival for indigenous people * Disappearance of indigenous crafts due to competition from manufactured products * Construction of infrastructure for import and export * Unequal organization of the world economy due to the colony's dependence on the colonizing country

Demographic

* Increase in population due to emigration from colonizing countries and improved healthcare

Social and Cultural

* Social and racial segregation * Imposition of Western culture