These were severely disrupted by Europeans to create wealth for themselves.Įuropean dominance over most of Africa through the transatlantic slave trade lasted 440 years, from 1444 to 1885. Before the Europeans arrived in Africa, Africa had vibrant economic, social and political structures. Europe’s past (and present) exploitation of Africa played a significant part. What caused Africa’s underdevelopment is a complex issue. Massive empires existed in Zimbabwe and Zululand (to name two) and were crushed by the land grab of the colonial empires in the 19th century.' Frederic Caillaurd, during his quest to discover the source of the Nile, marvelled at the structures of Egyptian society. 'How can anyone claim Africa did not have societies before the arrival of colonialism? Political, economic and social structures existed in African society well before the 19th century.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |