Analysis_of_Colonialism_and_Its_Impact_in_Africa_Ocheni_and_Nwankwo_CSCanada_2012

Introduction to Colonialism

• Definition: Colonialism is the direct domination of one country by another, relying on state power held by a foreign nation.

• Historical Context: Discusses the direct and overall domination of countries like Nigeria by Britain (1900-1960).

• Objectives:

  • Political domination.

  • Exploitation of resources from the colonized regions.

• Relationship to Imperialism: Colonialism is a form of imperialism, where all colonial actions can be considered imperialist, though not all imperial actions involve colonization.

Reasons for Colonization of Africa

• Industrial Revolution: Major factor leading to colonization, causing a need for raw materials and markets for European manufactured goods.

• Declining Agricultural Production: Challenges in food production driven by urban population growth.

• Market Expansion: Need for new markets for surplus manufactured goods led Europeans to explore Africa.

• Capital Investment: Excess capital from industrial profits required new investments, hence the colonization of Africa.

Strategies Employed in Colonial Objectives

Methods of Control

• Conquest: Immediate control through military might, undermining local governance and sovereignty.

• Forced Labour: Use of coerced labor to exploit local resources. Legal measures imposed to ensure African labor was available for colonial projects.

• Taxation: Introduction of taxes payable only in colonial currency, compelling Africans to seek work within the colonial system.

• Monetization of the Economy: Transition from barter to a currency economy controlled by colonizers, integrating African economies into the global market.

• Payment of Low Wages: Keeping wages low to necessitate extended family members joining the workforce to sustain livelihoods.

Impacts of Colonialism in Africa

Economic Underdevelopment

• Disarticulation of Economy: Colonialism distorted economic production, focusing on raw materials for European industries and neglecting local manufacturing.

• Export-oriented Trade: Markets developed for European goods while local needs were ignored, leading to food shortages and increased prices.

• Lack of Capital Reinvestments: Profits from Africa were repatriated to Europe, stunting local economic growth and industrialization.

Social and Cultural Impacts

• Colonial Education: Introduced a Western education model lacking relevance to local cultures, diminishing indigenous technological skills and knowledge.

• Class Structure: Emergence of new social classes (comprador bourgeoisie) aligned with colonial interests, fostering local exploitation and political instability.

• Urbanization Issues: Overcrowding in urban centers due to migration for the amenities provided, leading to poor living conditions and social vices.

Conclusion

• Colonial Legacy: The structural impacts of colonialism have perpetuated underdevelopment and socio-economic maladies in African states.

• Current States: Continuous exploitation by local leadership (often educated under colonial systems), maintaining the status quo reinforced during colonial rule.

• Long-term Effects: Persistent class struggles and ethnic issues stemming from the divisive strategies employed by colonial powers.

References

• Ake, C. (1980). Revolutionary Pressures in Africa. London: Zed.

• Chinweizu, C. A. (1978). The West and the Rest of Us. Lagos: Nok Publishers.

• Rodney, W. (1982). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Enugu, Nigeria: Ikenga Publishers.