Colonialism and Imperialism
To understand international politics in the world today, it is necessary to briefly consider the past. During the Age of Discovery between 1500 AD and 1800 AD, a series of powerful and wealthy European countries extended their reach into many parts of the world. European powers such as Spain, Portugal, Holland, France, Germany and Britain began to build empires based on the territories far from Europe. This lesson will focus on the impact of colonialism and imperialism in the context of Africa.
Colonialism is the extension of a nation’s sovereignty over territory beyond its borders by the establishment of either settler colonies or administrative dependencies in which indigenous populations are directly ruled or displaced.
Imperialism is a policy of extending control or authority over foreign entities as a means of acquisition and/or maintenance of empires. This is either through direct territorial; conquest or settlement, or through indirect methods of exerting control on the politics and/or economy.
The handout on studywiz will provide some detail on imperialism and colonialism.
An Introduction to Imperialism
Colonialism in 10 Minutes: The Scramble for Africa
Your Tasks
1. Using the map of Africa provided, create a key and indicate which African countries were colonised by which European powers. The following link will help you identify differing African countries – Map of Africa
2. In pairs, select one African country that has been colonised (other than Rwanda). Answer the following questions:
a) Who was the colonising power which acquired this country as a colony?
b) What was the basic outline of the process by which the colony was established?
c) What were the reason(s) for the creation of the colony?
d) Did the colonial power meet much resistance from the indigenous people of the colony?
e) When did the colony gain its independence? Why was the colonial power prepared to give up the colony?
f) What lasting impact did the colonial power leave?
Present this information as a stop motion movie very similar to the one provided. This will be due at the end of next lesson. Remember to be creative in putting together your stop motion movie. Make your facts clear and don’t use too much text. An example below is a great help.
Good Resource – The Experience of Colonialism in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Imperialism in Brazil
Imperialism in Brazil from emily nicole on Vimeo.
