Western Imperialism

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Western Imperialism
Western Imperialism had a tremendous impact on the continent of Africa. This nineteenth century imperialism often referred to as the “scramble for Africa” was the second phase of exploitation in Africa, enacted by Europeans. In the late nineteenth century European powers had carved and colonized almost every country in Africa besides Ethiopia and Liberia. Imperialism subjugated African resources to every extent.
The main impact that imperialism had on the continent of Africa was felt by the native people. Europeans took advantage of the African’s labor and created an industry of atrocious working conditions, soaring taxes and violated humanitarian rights. Thereafter there was the intrusion of English law and language in Africa, upsetting African societies. The natives not only had to struggle to preserve their beliefs and languages, their land was also in jeopardy. European settlers were gradually seizing the land of the natives. These land conflicts often led to the violent rebellions of native tribes with European settlers; however these wars were often unsuccessful. The recruitment of soldiers for European wars was targeted toward natives; this was an enormous impact on Africa. European recruitment often came in the form of slave raiding; this system snatched men away from their families all over the continent Africa. Blacks served as soldiers of wars and large numbers of them died in wars that existed between Europeans such as the Dutch and the British, although the conflicts existed between whites.
The main resources that the Europeans sought after were gold, ivory, diamonds, rubber and palm oil. Palm oil was used for European textiles, guns and manufactured goods. Gold and ivory and other metals were traded and brought great prosperity to West African nations. Native Africans were often disregarded, especially when conferences were held that decided land and resources which, natives were n...