Colonisation of Africa

Quick Facts: Who was Colonisation of Africa?

Subject:

Colonisation of Africa

Known for:

The history of European colonization in Africa, from antiquity to the Scramble for Africa.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

External colonies were first founded in Africa during antiquity. Ancient Greeks and Romans established colonies on the African continent in North Africa, similar to how they established settler-colonies in parts of Eurasia. Some of these endured for centuries; however, popular parlance of colonialism in Africa usually focuses on the European conquests of African states and societies in the Scramble for Africa (1884–1914) during the age of New Imperialism, followed by gradual decolonisation after World War II. The principal powers involved in the modern colonisation of Africa were Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, and Italy. European rule had significant impacts on Africa's societies and the suppression of communal autonomy disrupted local customary practices and caused the irreversible transformation of Africa's socioeconomic systems.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Colonies were maintained for the purpose of economic exploitation and extraction of natural resources. In nearly all African countries today, the language used in government and media is the one used by a recent colonial power, though most people speak their native African languages. In the early historical period, colonies were founded in North Africa by migrants from Europe and Western Asia, particularly Greeks and Phoenecians. Under Egypt's Pharaoh Amasis (570–526 BC) a Greek mercantile colony was established at Naucratis, some 50 miles from the later Alexandria. Greeks colonised Cyrenaica around the same time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

There was an attempt in 513 BC to establish a Greek colony between Cyrene and Carthage, which resulted in the combined local and Carthaginian expulsion two years later of the Greek colonists. Alexander the Great (356–323 BC) founded Alexandria during his conquest of Egypt. This became one of the major cities of Hellenistic and Roman times, a trading and cultural centre as well as a military headquarters and communications hub. Phoenicians established several colonies along the coast of North Africa. Some of these were founded relatively early.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1884: 1884 Milestone — Some of these endured for centuries; however, popular parlance of colonialism in Africa usually focuses on the European conquests of African states and societies in the Scramble for Africa (1884–1914) during the age of New Imperialism, followed by gradual decolonisation after World War II.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Colonisation of Africa

True or False: “The primary focus of popular parlance regarding African colonization is the period known as the Scramble for Africa (1884–1914).”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): While ancient colonies existed, modern historical discourse typically centers on the rapid European conquests during the New Imperialism era.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Belyaev — Historical peer (Born in 1884) (1884): Pioneering Soviet science fiction writer, known as 'Russia's Jules Verne'
• Alexander Bustamante — Historical peer (Born in 1884) (1884): Pioneering Jamaican politician, labor leader, and first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica.
• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colonisation of Africa