How Did Balance Of Power Affect African American Imperialism

Many Europeans, including French, Dutch, and British, came to the New World for their own reach such as a settlement. They had to adapt to new environments, learn about Native Americans, and develop new institutions. They also came to the New World for seeking riches, resources, and trading opportunities. And these purposes brought them to settle in new lands. During the 17th Century, there were three colonial regions that were New England, Middle Colonies, and Southern Colonies.

Starting in the 1870s, countries in Africa such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and India, Vietnam, in Asia were being colonized by the British. In order to gain their independence back they took non-violent and militant actions. Though both strategies were successful one was more successful that the other. Non-violent actions were successful in peacefully getting the countries independence. In document 1, a letter written by Mahatma Gandhi to lord Irwin in 1930 before marching to the sea and breaking the British Salt Tax he states, “Even the salt the peasants must use to live is so taxed as to make the burden fall heaviest on him…

The time period of 1750-1900 CE was a time of modernization and westernization following the Enlightenment and Age of Exploration which propelled Europe into being the central power of the world. It started off with the Industrial Revolution in Britain along with the emergence of capitalism which modernized European technology, weaponry, and ideas as well as giving them the desire for wealth all of which created a foundation for European imperialism in various parts of the world. Asia and Africa both fell victim to European imperialism, but to different extents both politically where Asia mostly retained autonomy while Africa fell under direct rule and socially where Africans fell victim to slavery and exploitation to a much greater degree

Having varying effects, imperialism approached nations differently and implemented different changes. Many desired the beneficial changes imperialism would bring, not only to them, but to the world as well. Still, others saw the devastation brought about by imperialism. Although imperialist powers focused on benefits that were supposedly mutual and effective to both imperialists and their subjects, imperialism left a drastic, unfavorable footprint on the face of colonized regions. It was commonly believed by imperialistic powers that their influence was incredibly beneficial to all those involved.

The first African slaves arrived in the new world during the 1620’s and the institution of slavery lasted for 245 years until 1865. Slavery in North America lasted longer than the United States itself. For this reason, when Abraham Lincoln decided to emancipate slaves during the Civil War, then pass the 13th amendment he was putting an end to a social order that was the fabric of American society. The period Reconstruction after the end of the Civil War represented an upward battle for revolution, the “forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system”, due to the racism and prejudice that was entrenched in American society. However, the spread of education and tools for African Americans to fight oppression, the end

the boundaries of American democracy, demanding their rights as American citizens, and assert their very humanity in ways both subtle and dramatic. Recognizing the significance of World War I is essential to developing a full understanding of modern African-American history and the struggle for black freedom. " Colored folks should be patriotic," the Richmond Planet insisted. "Do not let us be chargeable with being disloyal to the flag". African Americans saw the war as an opportunity to demonstrate their patriotism and their place as equal citizens in the nation.

The overwhelming growing population of free, black slaves was starting to concern the government of the United States. They feared that those who are still slaves would be motivated to impose for their freedom; therefore, revolt against the government. It was a problem they wished would never arise. In 1817, the American Colonization Society was formed. Their aim was to send free African-Americans in Africa, which they bought land in Liberia for the immigrants to settle in.

The people from Africa were generally part of early American history; however, Africans had experience slavery under better conditions compared to the conditions imposed by other civilized society. From the Egyptian Empire to the Empire of Songhai, slavery was practice for the betterment of their society, however, foreigners invaded these regions and took their slave, their ports and impose these people to a life of servitude in the Caribbean islands and in the English’s colonies. Furthermore, the African American slaves were an active agent of society in the earliest period of American history; they have brought new religious practices to their community; for instance, they constructed networks of communities; they had fought in war alongside

The industrial revolution propelled African imperialism to a level the world had never seen before. During the late 19th century, borders in Europe became difficult to alter and the only way to expand was in other continents like Africa. Europe exposed Africa’s weakness and preyed on them, leaving the continent in disarray. The industrial revolution induced African imperialism for economic prosperity, the rise in cultural and social power, and political motives. Economic prosperity had a major impact on the advancement of African imperialism.

Colonialism and Imperialism affected our world both positively and negatively. On one hand, Imperialism has often been linked with racial segregation, manipulation, and hardship. On the other, it has been said that many colonial powers contributed much in terms of schools, roads, railways, and much more. Whether this time period was constructive or harmful, it has played a large part in shaping our lives today. European Imperialism started long before the 1800’s.

Analysis of Abina Mansah v. Quimina Eddoo As argued by Olaudah Equiano, “I doubt not, if a system of commerce was established in Africa, the demand for manufactures would rapidly augment, as the native inhabitants would insensibly adopt the British fashions, manners, customs, etc.” (pg 181, WTWA). Equiano’s vision for a British Africa drove the colonization of West Africa and the creation of new plantations. In this new colony, there was the continued use of slavery until its abolishment by the Victorian empire. To a society who has always seen the value of using slave labor, the abolishment of slavery meant the complete change of their lives.

Why Imperialism Was Not Justified Many Americans and Europeans believe that there was many good reasons for imperialism. These people think this because they were the ones that benefited from it. In imperialism, the stronger countries took over the weaker countries and used them for their resources which improved their economy. Most also claim that they helped the countries they were imperializing, but the Europeans were actually hurting them. This led to the natives rebelling which arguably led to World War 1 later on.

In conclusion, imperialism had countless negative effects on the world today. It resulted in slave trade, caused cultures to be destroyed and took away countries’ natural resources. Had it not been for imperialism, the world today would consist of more diverse cultures with less discrimination and countries would be able to use their resources as they

So Europe invaded Africa, took possession of Africa, and divided Africa into colonies of Europe. The period of invasion, lasting some twenty years, was more or less completed by 1900. There followed a longer period, between sixty and ninety years, of direct European rule, called colonial rule. This was a time of profound upheaval for all of Africa’s peoples. It brought irreversible changes” (4).

Africa In World Politics: Engaging a Changing Global Order by John Harbenson and Donald Rothchild gives an analysis of how Africa has changed from being a European ruled colonial nation to a nation that it creating a name for itself in the global sphere. Beginning with Africa’s politics during the colonial era through the present. The book provides not only details about Africa but also how the changing world has affected African politics. The main focus of this book is to show the growth Africa has had since its time of colonization. Africa has grown as the world has changed although it has had to deal with internal conflicts and demands for political change due to its authoritarian regimes.