GREAT ZIMBABWE UNIVERSITY

ROBERT MUGABE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & CULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM STUDIES

NAMES: MURAWU TALENT W

REG NUMBERS: M234946
PROGRAMME: BED SECONDARY PRE SERVICE
CELL NUMBERS: 0776408142
EMAIL ADRESSES: talentmurawu03@gmail.com
MODULE: TDSH111
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION: examine the factors that led to the colonization of Africa.
DUE DATE: 08/11/23
LECTURER: PROF TASARA
MARK AND LECTURERS :
Colonization is the process by which one Nation or group of people establishes political control over
another territory.’From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the continent of Africa was
colonized by European powers. The colonization was driven by a variety of factors, including the need
for new markets and resources, technological advancement, Berlin conference to mention just a few.
These factors combined to create a situation in which the European powers were able to gain control
over much of Africa, often at the expense of local people. The essay below aims to examine the
causes of colonization.

Firstly, the desire for natural resources is the factor that led to the colonization of Africa.. For
example, in the late 1800s, Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and politician, began to explore the
mineral resources of southern Africa. In particular, he was interested in the gold and diamonds that
were being discovered in the region. Rhodes established the De Beers diamond company, which
became one of the largest and most powerful companies in the world. The company's influence
helped to solidify British control over southern Africa. The first strength of the desire for natural
resources as a factor in the colonization of Africa is that it provided a strong economic incentive for
European powers to establish colonies there. The resources they gained from Africa, such as gold and
diamonds, could be used to improve the economies of Europe. Additionally, these resources were
essential for the industrialization of Europe. A weakness of this factor is that it led to exploitation and
conflict in Africa. European powers often used force to take control of African lands and their
resources, which resulted in the loss of life and damage to the environment. Rodney(1972) argues
that the exploitation of Africa's resources was one of the main causes of Africa's underdevelopment.
He argues that European powers drained Africa's wealth and left the continent impoverished.
Therefore, the desire for natural resources is a factor that led to the colonization of Africa.

Secondly, the spread of Christianity is another factor that led to the colonization of Africa. Sanneh
(1998) argues that the spread of Christianity in Africa was a complex and often contentious process,
but that it ultimately had a profound impact on the continent. Sanneh traces the history of
Christianity in Africa and explores the ways in which it has shaped African societies and cultures. One
of the most important ways that Christianity impacted Africa was through education. Missionaries
often provided education to African converts, which helped to spread literacy and knowledge. This
led to the development of African literature and philosophy, as well as the growth of new schools and
universities. In addition, Christianity also had an impact on African political systems. It helped to
create a new class of educated elites, who often used their new found knowledge to advocate for
political change. The importance of this cause is that it adapted the religion to fit the culture and
traditions of Africans. On the other had, it focuses primarily on sub Saharian Africa, so it was not
capable to all parts of the continent. Therefore, spread of Christianity led to the colonization of Africa.

The third point is the need for raw materials, which was a major driver of European colonialism in
Africa. The industrial revolution in Europe led to a growing demand for natural resources, such as
rubber, minerals and oil. This demand led to the scramble for Africa in which European powers
competed to control as much territory as possible. The countries that were realized were forced to
export their raw materials to the colonizing powers, which often led to exploitation and economic
instability. The exploitation of raw materials had a devastating impact on the economy of many
African countries. The focus on exporting raw materials rather than developing local industries led to
a situation known as the colonial paradox. This is when a country's wealth and resources are used to
develop the colonizing power rather than the country itself. This caused many African countries to
remain underdeveloped even after they gained independence. According to Rodney(1972), the
colonial economy led to to a development of underdevelopment in Africa. He points to the
exploitative trade relationships between Africa and Europe as well as the lack of investment in
infrastructure and human capital. Hence, need for raw materials led to the colonization of Africa.

In addition, the colonial powers often disrupted traditional trade networks, which further harmed the
economy caused the colonization of Africa. For example, in West Africa, the slave trade was replaced
by the export of palm oil and other products, which caused widespread poverty and social disruption.
The colonial economy introduced new cash crops, such as coffee and cocoa, to Africa. These crops
helped to diversify the economy and generate income for some African countries. However, one of
the major weaknesses was that this income was often used to benefit the colonial powers rather than
the people of Africa. In addition, the cash crops often caused environmental damage and depleted
natural resources. Another weakness was that the colonial economy often led to a system of debt
bondage. This meant that workers were forced to stay in debt to their employers, which trapped
them in a cycle of poverty. One scholar who has written about the economic impact of colonialism is
Rodney(1972). He points to the exploitative trade relationships between Africa and Europe, as well as
the lack of investment in infrastructure and human capital. Hence, this factor also led to the
colonisation of Africa.

Moreove, the belief that Africa was uncivilized and needed to be civilized by Europeans. This idea,
sometimes called the civilizing mission, was a major justification for colonialism in Africa. The
European powers believed that they were bringing civilization to a continent that was considered
backward and uncivilized. They often used this idea to justify their exploitation of Africa's people and
resources. However, this idea ignored the rich history and culture of Africa, as well as the fact that
many African societies were advanced in their own ways. This belief also led to a racist and
paternalistic view of Africa and its people. One example of the racist and paternalistic views of the
colonizers can be seen in the concept of the "white man's burden." This was the idea that it was the
duty of the European powers to bring civilization to Africa, even if it meant imposing their will on the
people there. This attitude often led to a lack of respect for African culture and traditions. In addition,
the idea that Africa needed to be civilized by Europeans also led to a lack of support for self-
determination and independence movements in Africa. Instead, the colonizers often sought to
maintain control over Africa and its resources. One strength of the colonizers' attitude was that it led
to the introduction of new technologies and ideas to Africa. This included new medical treatments,
improved infrastructure, and new agricultural techniques. However, a weakness was that these
technologies and ideas were often forced on the people of Africa, rather than being introduced in a
way that respected their culture and traditions. This sometimes led to resistance and conflict, rather
than acceptance of the new ideas. Both Cabral and Fanon rejected the idea that Africa was uncivilized
and in need of "civilization" by the European powers. Cabral argued that Africa had its own rich
history and culture, and that colonialism was doing more harm than good. Fanon(1961) also argued
that the psychological effects of colonialism, such as internalized racism and self-hatred, were more
damaging than any physical effects. He also argued that the colonizers' view of Africa as uncivilized
was a way of justifying their oppression and exploitation of the people there. Therefore, it marks the
beginning of the colonization of Africa.

The search for new trade routes and new sources of labor was a major factor in the colonization of
Africa. The European powers were looking for new markets for their goods, and Africa provided a
valuable source of both raw materials and potential consumers. This search led to the development of
new trade routes, such as the Trans-Saharan trade route and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. It also led
to the establishment of new settlements and trading posts in Africa, which often became the centers
of colonial rule. One scholar who has written extensively about the role of trade in the colonization of
Africa is Rodney(1972), he argues that the search for new trade routes was a major factor in the
colonization of the continent. He also highlights the role of the Trans-Saharan trade route in
connecting the empires of Mali and Songhai to Europe. Oliver(1991) argues that the search for new
sources of labor was a major factor in the colonization of Africa. He points out that European
countries were looking for ways to increase their profits, and that the labor of the people in Africa
was seen as a valuable resource. He also notes that the labor of Africans was used in a variety of
ways, including in plantations, mines, and factories. In some cases, the labor was forced or coerced,
and in other cases, it was voluntary but poorly paid. Oliver's view on the role of labor in the
colonization of Africa is similar to that of other scholars, such as Walter Rodney and Eric Williams. All
three scholars argue that the search for new sources of labor played a major role in the colonization
of Africa. However, Oliver adds a different perspective by highlighting the different types of labor
used in Africa and the varying conditions under which it was performed. He also discusses the
resistance of Africans to forced labor and the negative impact that it had on the economy and society
of Africa. One importance of Oliver's argument is that it takes into account the complex and varied
experiences of Africans under colonial rule. He does not make sweeping generalizations about the
entire continent, but instead focuses on specific examples and case studies . on the other hand, his
argument is that it does not always take into account the perspectives of African women and children,
who were also affected by the search for new sources of labor. Overall, Oliver's argument provides a
nuanced and detailed view of the role of labor in the colonization of Africa. Therefore, this led to the
colonization of Africa.

The scramble for Africa in which European powers raced to claim territory in Africa led to the
colonization of Africa. The scramble for Africa refers to the period of time between the late 19th and
early 20th centuries, when European powers such as Britain, France, and Germany competed to
establish colonies in Africa. This period was marked by a rapid expansion of European control over the
continent. The Europeans were motivated by a number of factors, including the desire for natural
resources, new markets for goods, and military and political power. They used a variety of methods to
expand their control, including treaties, military force, and the manipulation of local political and
social structures. One of the key aspects of the scramble for Africa was the role of technology in
facilitating European control. New technologies such as steam-powered ships, modern weapons, and
the telegraph made it possible for European powers to project their power over long distances and to
coordinate their efforts. They also used these technologies to exploit the resources of Africa and to
establish military control. In addition, the establishment of colonial administrations allowed the
Europeans to extend their control and to impose their own systems of law and government. One
significance of the scramble for Africa is that it brought some new technologies and forms of
organization to Africa. For example, the introduction of railroads made it easier to transport goods
and people across the continent. However, this also led to the concentration of power in the hands of
the colonial rulers and their local allies. Another importance of the scramble was that it led to the
creation of some new nation-states, such as Ethiopia and Liberia. However, the colonial boundaries
that were created during this period often ignored ethnic and cultural divisions, leading to conflict and
instability. Mamdani(1996), argues that the scramble for Africa set the pattern for subsequent
economic and political development in Africa. He highlights the way that the scramble led to the
concentration of power in the hands of a small elite, who were often loyal to the colonial powers.
Mamdani's work has been influential in shaping the understanding of the legacy of colonialism in
Africa.

The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was a meeting of European powers that resulted in the partition
of Africa into colonies led to the colonization of Africa. The conference was convened by the German
chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, and was attended by representatives from Austria-Hungary, Belgium,
Denmark, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway, and
the Ottoman Empire. The main purpose of the conference was to establish rules for the colonization
of Africa and to avoid conflict between the European powers. The Berlin Conference established the
Principle of Effectiveness, which stated that a European power could only claim control over a
territory if it could effectively administer and occupy it. This led to a scramble for territory in Africa, as
the European powers raced to claim as much territory as possible. The conference also divided Africa
into spheres of influence, which were areas in which a particular European power had exclusive
control. The boundaries of these spheres of influence were often drawn without regard for the ethnic
or cultural divisions in Africa. One scholar who has written extensively about the Berlin Conference is
Pakenham(1912). He argues that the conference was a turning point in the history of Africa, leading
to the colonization of the continent and the suppression of African independence. Berlin Conference i
established rules for the colonization of Africa, which may have helped to avoid conflict between the
European powers. However, the conference is ignored the wishes of the African people and
established boundaries that did not reflect the cultural and ethnic divisions on the continent. This led
to conflict and instability in Africa, which has continued to the present day. Additionally, the
conference's focus on colonization led to a lack of investment in the development of Africa, which has
also had long-term consequences. Hence, the Berlin conference led to the colonization of Africa.

Also, the development of new technologies like the steamship and the telegraph made it easier for
European powers to control Africa. The steamship made it possible to navigate the rivers of Africa and
to transport goods and troops more easily. The telegraph allowed for faster communication between
European powers and their colonies, which made it easier to coordinate military and administrative
activities. Additionally, the telegraph allowed for the rapid spread of news and information
throughout Africa, which helped to spread ideas about nationalism and independence. One of the
most significant impacts of the telegraph was the spread of the ideas of anti-colonial nationalism. The
telegraph allowed for the rapid exchange of information and ideas, including those related to the
independence movement. One example of this was the use of the telegraph to spread news about the
victory of the Zulu people over the British at the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. This news helped to
inspire other African independence movements, such as the Mahdist movement in Sudan and the
Herero and Namaqua uprising in Namibia. Horowitz(2001) argues that the telegraph allowed for the
rapid spread of rumors and misinformation, which could contribute to ethnic violence. He gives the
example of the 1905 Zulu rebellion in Natal, South Africa, which was sparked by rumors spread via the
telegraph.The strengths of the telegraph in Africa was that it allowed for the rapid spread of
information and ideas, which could be used to promote social change and improve conditions in
Africa. A weakness of the telegraph was that it could also be used to spread misinformation and
rumors, which could lead to violence and conflict. In addition, the telegraph was often controlled by
European powers, which meant that the flow of information was not always accurate or unbiased.
Hence, this also led to the colonization of Africa.
Missionaries played a significant role in the spread of European influence in Africa. Missionaries, often
from Europe and the United States, traveled to Africa to preach Christianity and to set up schools,
hospitals, and other institutions. While their main goal was to convert Africans to Christianity, they
also helped to introduce Western ideas and practices. This had both positive and negative effects on
African society. On the positive side, missionaries brought new knowledge and skills to Africa, which
helped to improve the lives of many people. On the negative side, missionaries often discouraged
traditional African beliefs and practices, which led to a loss of cultural identity for some people.
One of the most well-known missionaries in Africa was David Livingstone, a Scottish doctor and
explorer who is credited with opening up the interior of Africa to European missionaries and
explorers. Livingstone was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and believed that Christian
missionaries could play a key role in ending the practice. However, Livingstone's methods were often
criticized by other missionaries for being too confrontational and for failing to respect traditional
African beliefs. Nonetheless, his influence was significant and paved the way for other missionaries to
follow.
One of the most influential missionaries in South Africa was John Phillip, who established the Lovedale
Mission Station in the Eastern Cape in 1824. Phillip believed that education was key to improving the
lives of Africans and set up the first school for black children in South Africa at Lovedale. The school
became a model for other mission schools in the region and helped to educate many black South
Africans, including Nelson Mandela. However, like Livingstone, Phillip was also criticized for his
confrontational approach and for his failure to respect traditional African culture. A leading scholar on
the role of missionaries in Africa is Ranger(1974). He argues that missionaries helped to shape the
political consciousness of Africans and played a key role in the rise of African nationalism. However,
Ranger also argues that missionaries often failed to fully understand or respect African culture and
religion, which led to tensions between them and the people they were trying to convert.The strength
of this point is that it shows how missionaries played a complex and often contradictory role in Africa.
They brought both positive and negative changes to the continent. On the positive side, they brought
new technologies, skills, and knowledge to Africa. On the negative side, they often imposed their own
beliefs and values on Africans, which led to cultural conflict and division. The weakness of this point is
that it doesn't fully capture the diversity of experiences of Africans with missionaries. Different
individuals and communities had different experiences, and some benefited more than others from
the presence of missionaries. Therefore, missionaries role also led to the colonization of Africa.

During the 19th century, European governments sent explorers on expeditions to map Africa and
discover its natural resources. These explorers included figures such as Henry Morton Stanley, David
Livingstone, and Charles Gordon. Stanley, in particular, played a significant role in mapping Africa and
in establishing European influence in the region. He led several expeditions to find the source of the
Nile River and was the first European to meet with the king of Buganda, a powerful kingdom in East
Africa. While these explorers contributed to scientific knowledge, they also facilitated the spread of
European imperialism in Africa. One important aspect of the role of explorers in Africa was their
interaction with local communities. Many explorers relied on the assistance of African guides and
porters to navigate the continent and often learned from the local people about the geography and
natural resources of the region. In some cases, however, the explorers took advantage of the local
people, demanding that they provide labor or give up their land and resources. This led to tension and
resentment, and in some cases, violence. An example of this was the conflict between Stanley and the
people of Buganda. Another way in which explorers impacted Africa was through the discovery of
natural resources. Many explorers, including Stanley, Livingstone, and others, were hired by European
governments or corporations to search for new sources of minerals and other resources. These
discoveries led to an increase in the exploitation of Africa's natural resources, often without regard for
the impact on the local people. For example, the discovery of diamonds in South Africa led to the
development of the Kimberley diamond mines, which exploited African labor and led to severe
environmental damage. Morris(1973) argues that the explorers' search for new resources in Africa
often caused harm to the local people and environment. He also argues that the explorers were
motivated by a desire for fame and fortune, rather than purely scientific curiosity. Morris's work is
important for understanding the complex legacy of the explorers in Africa. One strength of Morris's
argument is that it challenges the traditional view of explorers as brave adventurers who were
motivated by a desire to discover new lands and expand scientific knowledge. Morris shows that they
were often driven by more selfish motives, such as the desire for personal gain. A weakness of
Morris's argument is that it may overemphasize the negative aspects of the explorers' activities, while
downplaying the positive contributions they made. For example, the explorers often provided
valuable information about the geography, flora, and fauna of Africa. Hence, explorers also led to the
colonization of Africa.

In conclusion, the colonization of African by European powers was driven by a variety of factors,
including the need for resources, the impact of technology, and the spread of ideas such as the “white
man’s burden” and “scientific racism”. This colonization had a significant impact on the continent,
transforming it both physically and culturally. However, the people of Africa were not passive victims
of this process, and they resisted the efforts of the colonial powers in a variety
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