How did European colonialism of recent centuries contribute to various problems presently existing a
School
University of Nairobi**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
SOCI 120
Subject
Anthropology
Date
Dec 19, 2024
Pages
1
Uploaded by MateUniverse26861
How did European colonialism of recent centuries contribute to various problems presentlyexisting across current lesser developed countries? European countries, including Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal, ruled lands in Africa, Asia, and the Americas since the 1500s to extract resources like gold, spices, sugar, and spread Christianity. This colonial period caused problems in the countries they controlled, including dredging new borders, separating ethnic groups, and changing economies to benefit Europe. Colonizers forced people to work on plantations and mines, resulting in poorer economies and difficulty in trading with richer nations. Society was also impacted, with traditional ways of living looked down upon, European schools and languages pushed on people, and racism and discrimination still present. Colonial rule was often harsh, leaving some countries without strong leaders or government systems, leading to global inequality.What were some of the main features of pre-colonial civilizations and states and how did colonial powers stifle those characteristics?Before European colonization, advanced societies and kingdoms existed in the colonies, such as the Aztec and Inca, which built large cities in the Americas and Africa, and kingdoms like Mali and Songhai in Africa. These societies had complex political systems, royal families, noble classes, and local chiefs. Religion and culture were important, and people lived in balance with the environment. However, colonialism broke these systems down, as the Spanish defeated the Aztecs and Inca, brought diseases, forced people to work for them, and forced them to become Christian. Europeans replaced local leaders, changed laws, and discouraged traditional crafts andindustries, resulting in weakened economies and the Atlantic Slave Trade. It replaced them with European control that benefited Europe at the expense of the colonies. It devastated African societies and created racism that still causes huge problems. Colonialism brought some changes, like new technologies and Christianity, but it mostly disrupted and held back the development of pre-colonial societies. The effects of this are still felt todayHow can we look at social problems of today, in relation to problems of the past, regarding these specific issues?Colonialism has left a deep impact on former colonies, causing issues such as ethnic and religious conflict, economic inequality, corruption, unstable governments, and racial divisions. After independence, many wanted control for their own groups, leading to civil wars in places like Nigeria, Rwanda, and Sudan. Trade rules often favor richer countries, making it difficult for poorer nations to develop industries and compete globally. Colonial ideas about race continue to affect politics and economics, with racism against non-white people still common. The psychology of colonialism can also slow progress. Developed countries have a responsibility to help, as they benefited from colonialism. Solutions could include changing global trade rules, forgiving debt, and providing more aid.
