The following article was written in the New York Times in 1964. Read the article below concerning the effects of colonization on Africa during this time period. Answer the questions that follow.

In your notes, answer the following questions about the article above.

1. How has colonization affected race relations in Africa?
2. How have the whites maintained power even though the African countries are now independent?
3. Why are the Asians in Africa not part of either class of people?
4. How have the borders created by the European scramble contributed to the tribal problems in Africa?
5. Why do you think the African nations are so economically disadvantaged?
6. How could the colonial governments have made it easier for them when they became independent?

Summary of African Colonization

Colonization of Africa was carried out by European countries wishing to extend their influence and expand their empires. While controlling the people of Africa, they created borders that combined many existing kingdoms and cut tribal areas into sections. In addition, the ruling countries exploited the people of Africa by forcing them to work mining minerals, precious metals and stones, and other natural resources.

In the process, the European powers grew more and more wealthy. Initially, Europeans would come to Africa in the form of traders and Christian missionaries. This role would expand as a guns/protection relationship would develop in exchange for raw materials. Eventually, the Europeans would dominate the continent. In some cases, the exploitation of Africans was so brutal it resembled the worst of slavery. By the 20th Century, independence movements would emerge, but the effects of colonialism, such as tribal collection within European-established borders, single resource economies and white minority-dominated class systems would remain as distinguishing characteristics of modern Africa.