Cut Copy Paste Paste as HTML ©The Colonization of Africa
The 19th
century was a period of revolutionary change
in Africa. The states of West Africa were convulsed by a series of reformist Islamic jihads , while in the South the rise of Zulu militarism had catastrophic consequences for neighbouring peoples. By the mid-19th
century Africa was also undergoing a commercial revolution. Europeans could now offer high-quality machined goods in large quantities. A s a result Africa was condemned to the role of producer of primary goods . By the end of the century many African
kingdom and clan-based communities were been replaced by states organized along indigenous lines. However this process was forestalled by the decision of the major European powers to carve up the continent between them
Commerce of the 19th century
The development of New export goods in Europe had social implications for Africa. Reduced shipping costs brought about by the introduction of the steamship meant that European textile and metal goods arrived in force. The resultant decline in local industries was accompanied by a growth in the internal slave trade. The substantial carrying trade, especially the porterage trade of east and central Africa, was un by small-scale entrepreneurs . While such ventures did not bring large profit ,those involved enjoyed new and elevated social positions. Often the carrying trade was organized from particular region ,giving it an ethnic character. Enterprising African traders stook advantage of the expanding economy to gain political power, for example, the copper trader Msiri won himself a kingdom.
Zulu and Afrikaner expansion
Under the leadership of Shaka , the Zulu were organized into a highly militarized kingdom. They conquered neighbouring Nguni tribes and set off a series of war which depopulated large parts of the southern interior . leaving it vulnerable to Afrikaner expansion. Afrikaners left Cape Colony between 1835 and 1840s in search of pastureland , and escape from unwelcome British rule. They successfully defeated powerful military kingdoms as they progressed northwards.
Islamic reform in West Africa
The jihads of West Africa were a source of major turmoil in the 19th century. The idea that reformers could overthrow governments they thought were unjust was deeply rooted in the region and dated back to the 11th century Almoravid movement .Holy men challenged ruler soften because of their tyranny and corruption and demanded change. Social problems also promoted reforms for example Fula herdsmen often backed reformers against those who taxed and mistreated them. In other cases it was humble peasants or slaves who co9nverted Islam Tukulor cleric Usuman dan Fodio jihad in Hausaland in 1804 led to the establishment of the Islamic Sokoto Fulami Kingdom in 1820. Fulani cleric ,al-Hajj Umar Tal set about reforming the segu region in 1851 and by 1863 had founded the Tukulor Empire.
The conquest of interior
The years after 1885 sawa race to complete the conquest of the African interior .International rivalries between European powers, coupled with local merchant competition and popularity of African conquest in the home arena ensured European governmental interest in the continent. In many cases ,initial conquests were funded by commercial interest a, such as Cecil Rhodes De Beersn Consolidated Mines company. Most of the fighting personnel were Africans, hired mercenaries ,or militarily trained slaves. The use of commercial contacts with African traders and the exploitation of local rivalries were as effective as brute force and the Maxim gun.
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