Colonialism greatly impacted African and South American countries, both positively and negatively. Although it took away Senegal’s independence, gaining power for the French, it served more to unite the indigenous population, as seen through the increasing economic development and unifying role of Islam, and generally had positive effects on Senegal.
French colonization helped with the initial modern development of Senegal. “During this time, the French sought to modernize its colonial empire in Africa, investing in infrastructure within and between major Senegalese cities.” Senegal used to be inhabited and occupied by ethnic groups and kingdoms; since the colonization, the French modernized Senegal’s infrastructures, strengthened the economy,
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“On a more subtle level, their rule rested on a set of coercive practices that violated their own democratic values. Colonized persons were designated as subjects, not citizens.” Colonialism led to the disrespect for the human rights of the colonies, which was in conflictual with its political idea. This would potentially cause trouble for the unity of Senegal’s people. “‘France has two faces,’ said Hanuachi Mokded, a youth counselor of Pakistani origin who runs a community center in Clichy-sous-Bois. ‘It has the face of welcome and asylum which it presents to the world, and it has a haughty and contemptuous [disapproving] face with respect to people of foreign ancestry.’” The colonialization led to racist stereotypes and ideas of rights in France against the African countries, which negatively impacted the people of Africa, including Senegal. “Senegal won independence from France in 1960, but many of the old political problems remained.” Despite the French's lack of independence over colonization, their modern political system still needed exterior help after getting rid of French colonization, which the French started. “The contrast on the other side of the continent is stark. Senegal, the current champion of Africa, is home to a growing number of academies, many of them backed by investment from top-tier French teams like Lyon and Marseille.” The support of the French in Senegal also boosted their industry in other fields like sports. Although colonialism has racist and human rights impacts, the effects of its colonialism in Senegal helped it develop and unite the