The two sides of imperialism in Africa By: Santiago Pedrosa Sebastian Sojo Juan Camilo Santos Alejandro Mario Ramírez Rojas

Introduction In the beginning of the 19 th century, a process of imperialism spread throughout most of European territories. Most of the imperialist countries were in search of raw materials and a steady market. For this reason they want to gain territory and expand. They use different ways of ruling such as direct and indirect rule. You´ll learn about the imperialism over Africa and the different points of view about this process.

Direct or indirect rule? By the 1800´s, many imperialist countries use two different styles of ruling, direct or indirect rule. Direct rule was a style were foreign officers govern, replacing the local rulers. In the other hand, indirect rule let the local rulers with authority. With direct rule you´ll have total control of the country but this will cost you a lot of money because to control a whole country by force requires weapons, soldiers, food etc. Instead, indirect rule is chip since you let the local rulers govern, and your only task is to convince the natives to accept your “help”, that you will “civilized” them. So, which style do you like the most direct or indirect?

Imperialist point of view The imperialist countries wanted to conquered new territories as Africa for several reasons and benefits. Have in mind, that they were “helping” them to develop, but this wasn´t so true.

Reason 1 First, in Africa they could find a lot of raw materials which would boost their economy.

Reason 2 Second, they wanted to attain power, and gain prestige over all world nations. As you can see in the map, the most prestige imperialist powers were Britain and France

Reason 3 Third, imperialist countries as Britain wanted to convert natives to Christianity and also spread the English style of governing.

Africa´s Point of view Although Africans were being help to civilized, they recognized that this imperialist countries were not as good as they seem too. Little by little, Africans were treated worst, such as animals. They were summit to hard work and pay with very low salaries. Also their culture, what identify them, was been taken away. This means, imperialists were only thinking in themselves, without worrying about the Africans. Because of this reason, Africans began to think, “Hey, do this people are really trying to help me, or are they enemies who want to explode me”. I think they thought wisely.

Effects Imperialism had few positive effects but yes many negative effects. For example, one positive effect might be that Europeans offer a education to the Africans. Nevertheless, imperialists do have raw materials, a steady market, fuel industries, and many benefits which enriched themselves. With this money, they could afford technology and the opportunity to continue expanding. In the other hand, Africans were treated unfairly, and there was any progress for them. I think education, hospitals, and houses are important but more than anything RESPECT!

Draw your Conclusions! We might concluded that the process of imperialism was basically for the Europeans since their objective was to earn a lot of money and territory, and they did achieve that goal. Indirect rule didn´t work even though it was easier and cheaper. “We would help you civilized” this type of statements were hooks which Africans were innocently trapped on. Sorry for the Africans who had to suffered all of this.

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