A brief understanding of Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrad ( )

Joseph Conrad was born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski in Dec., 1857 Born to Polish family, grew up speaking Polish By age 11, both of his parents had died – went to live with an uncle At the age of 16, left home and joined the merchant navy Spent a significant part of his adult life on the ocean Had many experiences which were later material for his writing In 1889, he was the captain of a steamboat going up the Congo River; what he saw, experienced was foundation for Heart of Darkness Retired from the sea in 1894; married in 1896 and spent the rest of his life living in England Dies in August, 1924 and is buried in Canterbury, England under his Polish name Conrad: The sailor

Colonialism in Africa (circa 1914)

During the late 19 th /early 20 th centuries, European powers looked to Africa as a way of expanding influence, gaining access to resources Carved up Africa, often with little regard to residents or areas, etc. Berlin Conference of 1885 created spheres of influence for major European powers, way to limit conflict between nations Africa defined by new territories, run by colonial governments who reflected western culture, ideas Built railways, bridges, roads, schools, etc. but also created disconnect between native culture and introduced culture After WWII, age of colonialism begins to end, areas granted independence Libya (Italy) 1956 – Tunisia and Morocco (France) Following decade saw most of Africa achieving independent rule Colonial Africa