5.2:Effects of Colonialism and Imperialism on the Modern Political Landscape

Long term social consequences of colonialism

* Countries that were colonized usually have a very few rich and a large number of poor. Wealth inequality is a centrifugal force. * Repression, slavery, and exploitation of groups has hindered cultural groups groups independent development: Creolization of indigenous cultures with European culture. *Similarly, other exploited groups such as indigenous peoples that were not favored by colonizers struggle.

Colonialism in Africa

*Africa was last to be colonized and last to be decolonized (many in the 1950's-60s.) * France and Britain dominated. *Berlin Conference—1884 * Mostly occupation colonies (with settlement colonies in East Africa, South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.)

Long term political consequences of colonialism

*European colonizers ran the govt. When colonizers left,there was a lack of qualified leaders which left former colonies unprepared to function in global-nation state system leading to outside influence and pressure. * Sometimes, military leaders were in position to take control. This lead some countries to be ruled by dictators. * Some ethnic groups that gained power took advantage of their power at expense of other ethnic groups.

Problems resulting from boundaries created by the Berlin Conference

*Landlocked states *Ethnic rivalries *Uneven development of infrastructure *Legitimacy of government (control had come from outside). * Tendency of European powers to play groups against each other.

Neocolonialism

*Neocolonialism is the set of political and economic strategies by which wealthy and powerful countries indirectly maintain or extend their influence over less wealthy areas. * This process is expedited by globalization. Examples: China and the US

Long term Economic consequences of colonialism

*The status of many of semi-periphery and periphery countries can be traced to colonialism. *Some countries that were former colonies still have poorly developed economies as a result of mercantilism. *Many former colonies still have economies based on the collection and export of raw materials.

India Imperialized

British Came but didn't really stay and populated Small British Ethnicity in India vs USA

Colonialism

Colonization is the physical settlement in a new territory of people from a colonizing state.

Imperialism

Is the control (not physical settlement) of territory already occupied and organized by an indigenous society.

Mercantilism

Mother country obtains raw materials from colonies then sells finished goods to same colonies thus increasing economic growth.

USA British Colony

People came and Settled

Decolonization and the creation of Independent Countries

Wave One : 1800s Latin American countries gain independence as Spain and Portugal lose their status as global powers. Wave Two: Post WW I&II After WWII, European countries don't have the resources to control colonies. Colonies in Africa and Asia gain independence at this time.