The Colonial Powers

Africa, a continent that was seen by the foreigners as the “Dark Continent” and was often underestimated, was much-wanted by the European powers but was not only subjected to colonization by them solely. However; the colonization by European powers in Africa greatly impacted the status economically and politically of the countries today. The different methods set each country on their own diverse roads to either prosperity or hardship. The aftermath of each different colonizing style is still ever present throughout Africa: from Kenya’s industrialization to Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo's struggle through dictators, tyranny and corruption but are now on their slow and steady pace toward success.

The beginning of colonization in Africa can be traced back to the seventh century where the Romans and the Greeks colonized North Africa. The Arab trade with Sub-Saharan Africa in East Africa contributed to the gradual colonization and led to some West African cities developing Arab quarters which where not aimed into creating colonies. Although the first colonizations did not impact Africa greatly, the Scramble for Africa consisted of the European powers racing to see which country could have more power and control over the vast continent. The Berlin conference meeting occurred in 1884 occurred in order to figure out which countries will colonize which and to “end any confusion over Africa” (Rosenburg). At the time that the meeting took place, 80% of Africa was not colonized and was not under European control. The decision made that was agreed upon was to divide Africa into fifty or so countries. Although the European-set boundaries were not the same as before because they split tribes and groups, this helped increase the political voice for independence (Colonization). Another purpose of the meeting was to designate the Congo River and Niger River mouths and basins to be places to trade but King Leopold undertook part of it as his personal land.

The...