South African Imperialism
Southern Africa, in its long and eventful history, was colonized by Europeans in the nineteenth century. The effects that have come from this distant rule have still not worn off to this day. Africa could have, and probably would have, been very different then it is today if the Europeans hadn't colonized the region. The cause for this colonization: imperialism. European countries were thirsty for power and control of the most land. Southern Africa was treasured by Europeans for its great location and climate.
The main lasting legacy caused by European imperialism is the political corruption. Governments have a difficult time organizing themselves and their country. When Europeans left, they didn't leave any kind of organized central government, so various civil wars broke out amongst the different ethnic groups for control. This corrupt government has allowed for many other issues as well. Food and water transportation has been corrupted due to the governments neglecting the transportation systems, like roads and rivers. Famine increased greatly because of this. Also, wars have broken out based on the countries' borders. The established European borders were not enforced well, and countries longing for more land have tried to take it from others many times in recent years.
Also, the weak governments have led to human rights violations. Little respect is shown to many of the workers and citizens in the region from the leaders. Even amidst all of these harmful events, there have been some modifications because of imperialism that didn't harm many people. For example, English became a dominant language in southern Africa after the British colonized the area. Also, some of the ethnic groups gained a new vision on the world around them due to European influence. Overall, though, European imperialism has changed a very numerous amount of aspects in southern Africa.
Southern Africa, after being colonized by Europeans in the mid-late nineteenth century, has seen many cultural and physical changes. Most of the European ideas transferred to their African colonies and some have even influenced harsher activities then what was originally present. Imperialism has, and always will, have a lasting impact on the region of southern Africa.
The main lasting legacy caused by European imperialism is the political corruption. Governments have a difficult time organizing themselves and their country. When Europeans left, they didn't leave any kind of organized central government, so various civil wars broke out amongst the different ethnic groups for control. This corrupt government has allowed for many other issues as well. Food and water transportation has been corrupted due to the governments neglecting the transportation systems, like roads and rivers. Famine increased greatly because of this. Also, wars have broken out based on the countries' borders. The established European borders were not enforced well, and countries longing for more land have tried to take it from others many times in recent years.
Also, the weak governments have led to human rights violations. Little respect is shown to many of the workers and citizens in the region from the leaders. Even amidst all of these harmful events, there have been some modifications because of imperialism that didn't harm many people. For example, English became a dominant language in southern Africa after the British colonized the area. Also, some of the ethnic groups gained a new vision on the world around them due to European influence. Overall, though, European imperialism has changed a very numerous amount of aspects in southern Africa.
Southern Africa, after being colonized by Europeans in the mid-late nineteenth century, has seen many cultural and physical changes. Most of the European ideas transferred to their African colonies and some have even influenced harsher activities then what was originally present. Imperialism has, and always will, have a lasting impact on the region of southern Africa.