Colonialism and Problems of African Politics

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to colonialism and its impact on African politics.

Colonialism

The practice by which a powerful country establishes and maintains control over a less powerful territory or people.

Reasons for Colonial Administration in Africa

Securing cheap raw materials, imposing foreign culture, searching for new markets, and political ambition.

Benefits of Colonialism on African Politics

Introduction of modern political systems, development of bureaucratic institutions, formation of national boundaries, introduction of electoral processes, establishment of military institutions, economic policies, and international political relations.

Centralized Governance (Colonialism)

Centralized administrative structures established by colonial rulers, which became the foundation of modern African states.

Constitutional Frameworks (Colonialism)

Written laws and constitutions introduced by colonial powers that influenced legal structures in African countries.

Civil Service Structures (Colonialism)

Bureaucracies established by colonial governments to manage taxation, law enforcement, and education.

Revenue Collection and Taxation Systems (Colonialism)

Systems of taxation and financial management introduced by colonial powers.

Local Government Structures (Colonialism)

Colonial powers working through local chiefs, laying the groundwork for decentralized governance.

Legislative Councils (Colonialism)

Legislative councils established by some colonial governments, fostering early experiences with representative governance.

Political Parties and Nationalist Movements (Colonialism)

The emergence of political parties in the late colonial period, laying the foundation for democratic participation.

Established Territorial Sovereignty (Colonialism)

Defined geographical boundaries that contributed to the formation of nation-states.

Encouraged Nationalist Movements (Colonialism)

The fight against colonial rule fostered a sense of national identity.

Infrastructure Development (Colonialism)

Roads, railways, ports, and communication systems built by colonial powers, supporting governance and development.

Monetary and Financial Systems (Colonialism)

Introduction of banking institutions and currency systems that structured African economies.

Integration Into Global Trade (Colonialism)

African economies were linked to international markets.

Creation of Standing Armies (Colonialism)

Structured military forces inherited from colonial powers.

Law Enforcement Agencies (Colonialism)

Police forces set up by colonial governments for internal security.

Membership in International Organizations (Post-Colonialism)

Membership in organizations such as the UN and AU, allowing engagement in global governance.

Diplomatic Relations (Post-Colonialism)

Post-independence engagement with former colonial powers and other nations.

Foreign Aid and Development Assistance (Post-Colonialism)

Financial and technical support from former colonial powers.

Challenges of Colonialism to African Politics

Arbitrary Borders and Ethnic Division, Centralized and Authoritarian Governance, Economic Dependency and Underdevelopment, Social Fragmentation and Identity Crises, Institutional Weaknesses and Corruption

Arbitrary Borders and Ethnic Divisions (Colonialism)

Delineated African borders without regard for existing ethnic boundaries.

Centralized and Authoritarian Governance (Colonialism)

Centralized and authoritarian governance structures used to maintain control.

Economic Dependency and Underdevelopment (Colonialism)

Economies structured to extract resources for the benefit of colonizing powers.

Social Fragmentation and Identity Crises (Colonialism)

Marginalization of indigenous traditions led to social fragmentation and identity crises.

Institutional Weaknesses and Corruption (Colonialism)

Weak institutions that struggle to manage public resources and deliver services.