When the major colonial powers (mainly Great Britain and France) looked at Africa, they did not see a myriad of interesting culture and peoples, but an abundance of resources. They saw extra land and work that was theirs for the taking. The weaponry of the African tribes were no match for the British and French armies. Imperialism, defined as the policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, ran rampant throughout Europe, and caused what came to be known as the “race for Africa”. These powers did not stop for even a minute to think about what damage they might have been inflicting upon these people.
For instance, this forced colonization led to a large removal of traditional cultural customs. The colonial powers sought to westernize these states as much as possible, and as such saw the need to enforce Christianity, politics, and cheap labor. Imperialism as a whole (not only in africa) led to a persistent inequality within colonies, as the elites would profit from the labor and live lavishly. In response to the infamous poem “The White Man’s Burden”, a man by the name of Edward D. Morel wrote the following, an excerpt from his own “the black man’s burden”: …show more content…
Its destructive effects are not spasmodic: they are permanent. In its permanence resides its fatal consequences. It kills not the body merely, but the soul. It breaks the spirit. It attacks the African at every turn, from every point of vantage. It wrecks his polity, uproots him from the land, invades his family life, destroys his natural pursuits and occupations, claims his whole time, enslaves him in his own home…” Furthermore, the geographical divisions of native tribes were completely disregarded by the colonial powers. In effect, they split the native tribes
For instance, this forced colonization led to a large removal of traditional cultural customs. The colonial powers sought to westernize these states as much as possible, and as such saw the need to enforce Christianity, politics, and cheap labor. Imperialism as a whole (not only in africa) led to a persistent inequality within colonies, as the elites would profit from the labor and live lavishly. In response to the infamous poem “The White Man’s Burden”, a man by the name of Edward D. Morel wrote the following, an excerpt from his own “the black man’s burden”: …show more content…
Its destructive effects are not spasmodic: they are permanent. In its permanence resides its fatal consequences. It kills not the body merely, but the soul. It breaks the spirit. It attacks the African at every turn, from every point of vantage. It wrecks his polity, uproots him from the land, invades his family life, destroys his natural pursuits and occupations, claims his whole time, enslaves him in his own home…” Furthermore, the geographical divisions of native tribes were completely disregarded by the colonial powers. In effect, they split the native tribes