Effects
of colonialism on the African continent.
To be
European is to hail from Europe. In
the early thirteenth century, European nations such as France, Portugal,
Britain, Spain, Germany, and others ventured into Africa with the initial goal
of trading with the local populations.
However,
they eventually began exerting their political dominance over Africa, leading
to the colonization of numerous African nations. Throughout their rule as the
governing bodies of these countries, they implemented various policies aimed at
enhancing the social fabric of the indigenous populations.
These
are a few examples of the societal consequences of colonial governance in
Africa.
Introduction
of a novel religious belief system:
Prior to the arrival of European colonizers, Africans engaged in worship of the
Divine through the use of idols and lesser deities. However, with the arrival
of European missionaries, a new faith was introduced - Christianity - in which
the worship of the Supreme Being is conducted without the need for
intermediaries.
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Introduction
of formal education: One of the significant societal
repercussions of colonial domination in Africa is the emphasis on education.
Recognizing the pivotal role of education in a nation's progress, colonial
authorities diligently worked to establish a greater number of schools across
Africa to combat widespread illiteracy on the continent. Prior to the
introduction of Western education, there existed an informal system of learning
where parents would personally instruct their children in specific crafts,
trades, and responsibilities within the household.
Enhancement
in healthcare facilities: The interaction with Europeans led to
advancement in the healthcare system due to the measures implemented. Hospitals
were established across the continent, medical professionals were educated, and
there was a noticeable enhancement in personal hygiene.
Housing
infrastructure: Significant modifications were made to the
housing landscape in Africa. Prior to these changes, housing structures were
predominantly constructed using mud and wood. However, the introduction of
block buildings revolutionized the housing sector in Africa. For instance, in
Ghana, a Basel Missionary earned the moniker "Osiadan", which
translates to "builder of houses,” due to the construction of several
residences in the Akropong region.
Furthermore, castles were constructed to serve as the residence for the colonial administrators.
Advancement in Agriculture: The arrival of the European also brought about a transformation in agricultural practices. Prior to the presence of Europeans, agriculture was primarily subsistence-oriented, focusing on providing for the immediate family's needs. However, with the introduction of new crops, the agricultural landscape shifted toward a more commercial approach. Additionally, agricultural institutions were established in numerous African nations to enhance economic growth, recognizing agriculture as a fundamental pillar of the economy.
By Governor