What is colonialism?
Colonialism refers to the situation where by one powerful country extend its domination over the weak country socially, politically and economically.
The development of capitalism in Europe has led to the development of the industrial revolution which started in Britain in 1750 and by the end of the18th century Britain was the only industrialized nation in the world.
However by the 19th century, other European countries such as France, Belgium, Germany and Italy also industrialized.
Industrialization of almost all European countries meant that there was no area to expand within European hence there was the need to find colonies for meeting industrial demands.
CAPITALISM
Capitalism: is the fourth mode of production which characterized by private ownership of the major means of production. Normally under capitalism the major means of production such land, tractor, capital and transport means are owned by the few people or individual person.
STAGES OF CAPITALISM DEVELOPMENT
Normally the development of capitalism passed through three major stages and each stage has its own key features:-
1. Mercantilism 1450-1750.
2. Industrial capitalism 1750-1850.
3. Monopoly capitalism/ imperialism 1850's.
STAGES/PROCESSES OF COLONIZATION OF AFRICA
Normally the colonization of Africa passed in three major phases which include,
- Penetration of colonial
- The scramble for and
- Establishment of colonial
PENETRATION OF COLONIAL AGENTS
Colonial agents: were the Europeans who came in Africa in order to pave way for colonization of Africa. Normally colonial agents include,
Missionaries: were people who came on behalf of their home government in order to accomplish the three major objectives: To spread civilization, Spread Christianity and to do
Traders: came in Africa in order to look for raw materials and areas for
Explorers:came in Africa in order to search for information that was needed by the capitalists. g (David Livingstone, Henry Morton Stanley and Samuel Baker.
Chartered companies. g GEACO, BEACO, BSACO, etc.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF COLONIAL AGENTS TO THE COLONIZATION OF AFRICA
QN: Critically assess six roles played by colonial agents to the colonization of Africa.
The colonial agents played a very greater role to the colonization of Africa as follows:
1. They abolished slave trade: so as they can be accepted by Africa in a positively
2. They signed bogus treaty with African local rulers: Several fake treaties signed by colonial agents with African local rulers so as to accept colonialism. E.g. Karl Peter signed treaty with Chief Mangungo of Msovero in
3. They constructed infrastructures: such as roads, railways and so on, aimed at facilitating transportation in the E.g. Kenya to Uganda railway.
4. They built schools: so as to destroy African culture and accept colonialism through education.
5. They speeded up Christianity: so as to change African mind set to accept colonialism, especially
6. They suppressed African resistance: g. Chimulenga war, Majimaji war, Nama and Herelo, etc
7. They opened large plantations in the colonies: g. sisal, rubber, coffee, cotton, plantations etc.
8. They established trading companies: These were trading companies established by colonial government so as to administer colonies in the behalf of colonial government. E.g. BEACO, GEACO, BSACO, etc.
9. They cuptured important information’s about Africa: Especially information’s concern with areas with fertile land, large population, minerals, water bodies such as navigable rivers, nature of African resistance.
Establishment Of Colonialism, History Notes Form Three Topic 1
I. THE SCRAMBLE FOR AND PARTITION OF AFRICA