Negative Effects of Colonialism in Africa Cause and Effects

These machines made using slaves for manual work far less relevant. However, raw materials need to be provided for large-scale production. The Europeans needed logs for their steam trains, ships, and house construction. They also needed agricultural products to serve their food production industries and fulfill new technology demands. As a result, they imposed a rule on Africa and tapped its nascent natural resources. It is safe to say that colonialism underdeveloped Africa. But how did the European colonization affect Africa? What Are The Effects of Colonialism On Africa Today As much as there are few positives, there are many negative impacts of colonialism on Africa. So, how did colonization affect Africa? Exploitation Colonial masters exploited Africa in many ways. They tapped from Africa raw materials, used its labor by force and on low wages, and carted away many of its historical artifacts and monuments.

Colonial masters colonized Africa because of its abundance of natural resources. Conquest led to destroying ancient African cities. Consequently, beautiful artifacts from the continent were carted away to don European museums. A good example is the Benin artifacts which were taken by Britain. Arbitrary Division Of Territories Without consideration for the local system of government, Europeans divided Africa into territories as it suited their fancy. The continent was divided among Britain, France, Portugal, and other Europeans. However, decades after, there were still evident impacts of colonialism on each nation. Colonial masters brought their system of rule and capitalism to the African continent. After independence, black rulers imposed on Africans were not different from their white counterparts. These rulers made ample wealth for themselves at the expense of the masses' poverty and the development of a new look nation.

Moreover, they represent the will of the colonial masters. Plus, the colonialism-brought capitalist system coupled with urban poverty results in increased crime rates. Poverty was a big problem in the pre-colonial days and even after colonialism. As local resources were tapped from communities, the community could not take care of its locals. Each person has to take care of themselves. As a result, the rural population suffered from chronic poverty. During colonialism, the Shona People of present-day Botswana and Zimbabwe died from a chronic Rinderpest disease. Moreover, Indian workers brought by colonial masters to construct a rail line between Uganda and Kenya brought Jiggers disease. At times, colonial masters deliberately introduce a disease to reduce the local population or kill their livestock.