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The years encompassing 1885 and 1945 may have been the most disruptive and destructive era in the histories’ of the African continent and it’s its inhabitant. The years precipitating the de-colonization period could possibly be the one period in time in which European influence had more of a pronounced impact on the psyche and condition of indigenous Africans than did the Trans- Atlantic slave trade. ... Keller individually and collectively identify the key factors that precipitated both the rise and fall of colonialism on the African continent. They provide insight into the legacies and processes of the period and how it impacted the African condition. ... As was asserted early in his examination, 1885 marked the beginning of colonization period but the establishment of the slave trade initiated European presence in Africa. ... As a result, the African continent was divided among the European powers, beginning an era of conquest and brutality. ... The combination of these two factors made the conquest of the continent a practical and necessary expenditure for the European powers. ... As was illustrated by Gellar, many African rulers allied themselves with the their European oppressors to resist the imperial forces of neighboring regions. ... The impacts of colonization on African people are both vast and numerous, but the most pronounced effects of the system were seen in the change of the political, economic and cultural autonomy of all Africans alike. ...
Colonization created a defined change in the make-up of African societies and social life. ... Prompted by the need for work, many African ethnic groups migrated to other places to satisfy that need. ...
Maintenance of the colonial extension proved to be another powerful force in the dissolution of African alliances. Gellar demonstrated that the goal of the colonial state was to maintain law and foster obedience, but such goals could not have been accomplished without the support of African leaders. ... Although this process was carefully watched over by the Europeans, these African leaders did acquire some say in the happenings of the colony. ... ”
Certain ideologies held by European colonists helped them to legitimize their exploitation of the African continent. Ideals such a “manifest destiny” were prevalent and enforced ideas of African inferiority. According to Gellar, much of the justification for colonization was based on the theories of notables such as Charles Darwin. ... Europeans also created traditions to emphasize the lack of history of the continent. ...
African participation in the political systems eased the oppression felt by the elite few, but most of the indigenous African population had no hand in political matters. ... Although most African had no political say, others allocated means to voice the views. Rebellions, religious movements and the organization of trade unions afforded many Africans their say one certain matters, but more often than not “most African accepted the authority of the colonial state (Martin and O’Meara, p.
Approximate Word count = 2357
Approximate Pages = 9.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
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