European Colonialism in Africa and Asia: Causes and Effects

Dominant Europe: Colonialism in the 19th Century

Causes of Colonialism

In the last third of the 19th century, Europe, by exploiting its superior technical and financial capabilities, set out to conquer Africa and Asia, as there were more colonial empires in Europe. The territories created several causes of colonialism:

• Economic Factors: European powers sought new markets and raw materials. They wanted to buy better materials at other places where labor was cheaper and more profitable.
• Demographic Factors: There was an excess of population in Europe, causing difficulties in finding jobs and increasing social tensions. Colonial policy meant the possibility of emigrating to other lands and improving living and labor conditions.
• Political Factors: The great powers were in competition for political and military control of geographic areas of economic or strategic interest.
• Ideological Factors: Some nations defended the supposed right to impose on others, believing themselves to be culturally and technologically superior. They carried out work in education, health, and social peace, but this was often rooted in racism that led to the belief in the superiority of the white race.

Colonial Organization

There were three main types of colonies:

• Colonies of Exploitation: These were colonies in which the mother country was devoted to economic exploitation. The government had no autonomy. Europeans exercised a genuine policy of occupation. Settlers appropriated land for large plantations or to exploit natural resources. The owners were white settlers or companies based in Europe. Indigenous labor had very low salaries, and they were prevented from trading with other countries.
• Colonies of Settlement: These were colonies that received a large influx of white European immigrants. Examples include Australia.
• Protectorates: These maintained the existing state organization, the indigenous government, and the administrative machinery. In Africa, Morocco was a kingdom divided between France and Spain.

Consequences of Colonialism

Thanks to European developments, the colonial powers introduced roads, railways, bridges, and ports. This allowed for the improvement of infrastructure.

• Industries were established, but primarily for the benefit of the colonizing power.
• Hygienic measures were enhanced, resulting in population growth. However, this broke the balance between population and resources, leading to chronic malnutrition.
• Schools were erected, decreasing illiteracy, but the language, culture, and customs of the metropolis were taught.
• Missionaries sought to impose Christianity.

Economic Transformations

In the colonies, the economic interests of the colonizers were imposed. Lands were taken over by settlers, and traditional crops that guaranteed food for indigenous families were abandoned. Instead, large plantations of cocoa, coffee, fruit, etc., were established. The colonies were forbidden to have their own industries, and this is the origin of their poverty.

Social and Cultural Changes

Colonial societies were a reflection of marginalization. The Great War (1914-1919) is recognized as such because so many countries were involved, and there had never been such a large-scale conflict in human history.