Colonialism in Africa

1. Colonialism in Africa Presented by Ms. LeCren 14 April 2008

2. Three Main Points to Remember • Why does the definition of colonialism have a negative connotation? • Which areas in Africa did the European powers colonize? • What is the attitude toward colonialism from African writers?

3. Definition of Colonialism • In the late 1800s, the word colonialism applied to groups of white settlers (colonies). • It was used to distinguish between an area that was a dependency rather than the original parent state. • At this time, the term was neutral.

4. Negative Connotation • Colonialism began, like the word imperialism, to be used as a criticism of the entire system of colonization. • The concept of colonialization was associate with imposing control over native populations, exploiting resources, instituting Western economies and political systems.

5. Colonization in Africa • These are the areas that were colonized by Europe in Africa.

6. Our Two Class Novels • Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe • Written in a colonial language (English) by a native writer (Nigerian) about his native culture’s conflict with colonialism. • The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay • Written by a white African, a descendant of colonial people, about his native country (South Africa) and the interaction of the people there, both white and black.

7. Attitude Toward Colonialism • “[Colonialism] did bring together many peoples that had hitherto gone their several ways. And it gave them a language with which to talk to one another. If it failed to give them a song, it at least gave them a tongue, for sighing….

8. …Therefore those African writers who have chosen to write in English or French are not unpatriotic smart alecks with an eye on the main chance–outside their own countries. They are the by-products of the same process that made the new nation-states of Africa.” -Chinua Achebe

9. Quiz • Why does the definition of colonialism have a negative connotation? • The British Empire disapproved of colonialization. • After the 1800s, those who were colonized resented the power of their “parent” states who treated them like children. • I have a better answer, and it is:____________.

10. Quiz (continued) 2. What areas in Africa did the European powers colonize? • It’s easier to show you; look at the maps. • They took over all of Africa except Ethiopia. • I have a better answer, and it is:____________.

11. Quiz (continued) 3. What is the attitude toward colonialism from African writers? • We haven’t read any African writers yet, so I don’t know. • According to one African writer, despite all the problems with colonialism, at least it gave the various people of his country a common language for communicating ideas. • I have a better answer, and it is:____________.

12. Works Cited • Achebe, Chinua. “The African Writer and the English Language.” Morning Yet on Creation Day. Quoted in Literary Connections Sourcebook Things Fall Apart and Related Readings. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, 1997. 6. • Fieldhouse, David K. "Colonialism ." Encyclopedia Americana. 2008. Grolier Online. 11 Apr. 2008 <http://ea.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=0101580-00>. • Lindfors, Bernth. "African literature." Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 2008. Grolier Online. 11 Apr. 2008 <http://gme.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=0003670-0>. • Verlinden, Charles. "colonialism." Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 2008. Grolier Online. 11 Apr. 2008 <http://gme.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=0067660-0>. • Images from Google Images “Colonialism in Africa” • http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specials/images/1627_new_africa_ws/2145822_african_colonialism.jpg • http://www.lib.uwo.ca/weldon/news/hottopics/archive2004/Colonialism(1945).jpg • http://www.flagshipgames.com/rccover.JPG • http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61QE10Y0VHL._SS500_.jpg