In this paper we are going to be studying the Europeans views of colonizing Africa. This will be accomplished by focusing on: the rationale for imperialism in Africa and examining the British versus French colonizing missions. Once this takes place, is when we will show the lasting effects of these approaches over the long term.
Sociology and Anthropology
After 1880, Africa underwent a major transformation with the European powers effectively dividing the continent among themselves. Over the next 100 years, nearly every major decision affecting the region would be made in a European capital. Then, each nation was able to gain their independence. To fully understand what took place requires: carefully examining the rationale for imperialism in Africa and studying the British vs. French colonizing missions. These factors will highlight the kinds of approaches that were used by the Europeans and the long-term impact of colonization. (Ciment, 2007, pp. 19 -- 24)
The Rationale for Imperialism in Africa
The Europeans had different reasons for colonizing Africa. A few of the most notable include: to protect their own economic interests, maintain a balance of power and control key areas that are strategic importance. In the case of protecting their own economic interests, the Europeans believed that Africa could provide them with vast amounts of natural resources. When a rival country moved into the region, is the point that there was a change in focus with many concentrating on using these natural resources for their own benefits. (Ciment, 2007, pp. 19 -- 24)
To prevent one country from becoming overly dominant, many nations often wanted to control as many areas as possible. This gave them more power and influence in determining who occupied specific regions. Once this occurred, is when the different nations could use this as a tool for maintaining their position on the world stage. (Ciment, 2007, pp. 19 -- 24)
Controlling key areas of strategic importance is when many nations wanted to dominate a piece of land. This was considered to be significant for commerce and transportation (i.e. The British occupying the Suez Canal). Over the course of time, this gave a particular country, specific advantages within the region. The combination of these factors is showing how the Europeans believed that the colonization of Africa was rational (from their perspective). (Ciment, 2007, pp. 19 -- 24)
British vs. French Colonizing Missions
The British followed a loose system that allowed African officials to maintain control in many regions. Under this approach, the British set the objectives, guidelines and provided the funding for a host of different projects. Any kind of natural resources were transported back to England. This is where they were used to produce manufactured goods that were sold to the general public. From the political perspective, the British ran the national affairs for the country. However, they also allowed local officials to control different resources and utilize them according to the needs of specific regions. This gave many Africans the ability to flourish under this system by closely allying themselves with the British. (Foster, 2002, pp. 107 -- 130)
The French system was designed to take the African colonies and impose their values upon them. This meant that the local governments implemented strict controls in how various services were delivered and the kind language that is spoken. The basic idea was to have these French values help to civilize the Africans. As a result, there were vast divisions between many urban and rural centers. In the cities, most people embraced these Western traditions (developing an aristocracy). While those people who lived in the country, continued to practice different tribal customs and ignored many French traditions. The combination of these factors created situations where there were divisions (based upon the region an individual was from). (Foster, 2002, pp. 107 -- 130)
When the two different colonization approaches are compared, it is clear that the British have a system that gives everyone more choices. This is based upon exercising indirect forms of control over the region. While the French were focused on: imposing their values, ideas and beliefs in each area. This is because these colonies were considered to be a part of France itself (with officials constantly wanting to exercise control at all times). This created social divisions between urban and rural centers. As a result, the British system gave Africans greater amounts of control and freedom. Whereas the French; wanted to dominate each colony and remake them in their own image). (Foster, 2002, pp. 107 -- 130)
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