Africa Essay, Research Paper
Europe tried to take many countries, Africa being one of them. The European countries had an effect on Africa today throughout all the primes. Europe had an effect on the African way of life, that in some ways were good, and in some ways bad.
Imperialism is defined as the extension or rule or influence by one government, nation, or society over the political, economic, or cultural life of another. European nations decided they wanted land in the mostly unexplored continent, and they took it, without the consent of the African people. Europe brought Christian ideas into Africa. Religion was changed from what it would have been to Christianity today. If you look at most of the countries in Africa such as Angola, Congo, Ghana or Zimbabwe the main religion practiced is Christianity. You can see that Protestant and Catholic groups are about equally represented throughout the continent basically leading back to the Christian religion. Before the Europeans came to Africa their main religion was Islam. Europeans brought missionaries into Africa and started changing their religion or preaching about Christianity. When they bought a slave they would teach that slave to practice the Christian religion as well. Twenty-five percent of Africa is Christian. Christian churches are growing rapidly in the nations south of the Sahara and especially in southern Africa. It just proves that Imperialism in Africa changed the religion and peoples beliefs today. European missionaries introduced Christianity into sub-Saharan Africa during the 19th century. Missionaries came in and started to change the way Africans thought about religion and what they believe.
European Imperialist Policies made Africa lose history of their culture and brought racism to Africa. Europeans wanted to change Africans to be more like them, changing their religion, changing their life style and making them slaves. Slavery led to the loss of culture because after a while Africans began to think of themselves as lower class; since that s what they were treated like. The Westernized minority, influenced by European culture and Christianity, first rejected African traditional culture. Slavery lead to people hating Africa, Africans and the African culture. Which leads to the Africa culture and traditions being diminished. Why would anyone want to practice a certain religion or traditions if they were labeled as wrong, or unethical.
Traditionally, the majority of Africans have been farmers and herders who raised crops and livestock. When Europeans started colonizing they demanded agricultural and mineral products. Safer technology and ways of farming were learned and brought to Africa. European technology and crops were introduced and a modern exchange economy started. The technology was starting to grow, there were new machines and easier ways to do things Africans never thought of.
Africa today has changed a lot from European countries and the imperialist policies. The Europeans tore into the African continent and succeeded in destroying the African way of life. Thousands of people were tortured, for no reason other than resources. Europeans wanted the rich minerals and natural resources that were found in Africa, and they did not want to share them with anyone else, including the African people.