European Imperialism On African Society

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At the start of 1820, African societies were turned upside down. Europe saw its chance to expand into Africa and, as a result, Europe gained many benefits. This was known as imperialism, action by which one country controls another country. Europe achieved great political power, obtained more wealth and cheap labor. Imperialism brought both positive and negative effects to African societies; it changed their culture, their economy and the politics of their countries. As Europeans worked their way into Africa, they brought with them western civilization. Johnston points out that, “What the Africans were demanding was human equality, which they felt was fundamentally denied them by the colonial system” (Collier’s Encyclopedia 224). Europe’s nationalism was a main component as to why they made Africans slaves to them. Europeans felt they were superior to Africans; therefore, they had no sympathy toward them when they had to work for multiple hours in harsh climates. On the other hand,…show more content…
The article “European Imperialism” explains Europe’s expansion motive as, “… Europeans were spurred on by national rivalry. Since land equaled power, the more land a country could acquire, the more prestige and power they could wield across the globe” (Whittemore). Europe wanted more power over other countries and they saw Africa as their ticket to dominance. Europe gained more land, more men for war and more money from worldwide trade. In his article “Africa: People and Societies”, Allen J. Greenberger maintains that “Imperialism has been the driving force behind most wars, and territorial expansion” (93). As a result of Europe’s expansion into Africa, Europe had more security in the event of attacks, and a source for supplies such as food, ammo, weapons, and ships to use during wars. Europe was also responsible for introducing democracy and constitutionalism in
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