• History -> History of Asia and Africa

• 0 Comment

What is the impact of Western colonization on African and Asian geography?

Scarlett Thurlbeck

Hey there!

Great question. The impact of Western colonization on African and Asian geography is immense and far-reaching. To fully understand it, we need to take a look at the history of colonization.

When European powers began colonizing Africa and Asia in the 19th century, they did so for economic gain. They wanted to extract resources, establish markets, and make money. In the process, they reshaped the geography of these regions.

One of the most significant impacts of colonization was the drawing of borders. European powers divided up Africa and Asia into colonies, ignoring existing ethnic and linguistic boundaries. This created new countries with arbitrary borders that did not reflect the reality on the ground. As a result, many African and Asian countries today struggle with ethnic tensions and political instability.

Colonizers also introduced new economic systems to these regions. They established plantations and mines, often using forced labor, to extract raw materials like rubber, cocoa, and oil. These activities transformed the landscape, as forests were cleared and new infrastructure was built to facilitate resource extraction.

Colonizers also introduced new modes of transportation, such as railroads and roads. This allowed for further exploitation of resources and facilitated trade. However, it also disrupted traditional ways of life and caused environmental degradation.

Finally, colonization had a cultural impact on African and Asian societies. European powers often imposed their language, religion, and other cultural practices on the colonized peoples. This resulted in the erosion of traditional cultures and the adoption of European ways of life.

In conclusion, the impact of Western colonization on African and Asian geography is complex and long-lasting. It fundamentally changed the landscape of these regions, creating new countries with arbitrary borders and introducing new economic systems and modes of transportation. It also had a cultural impact, eroding traditional ways of life and imposing European languages and practices. These legacies continue to shape Africa and Asia today.