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Africa. Shaka warred against British imperialists. The Diaspora, Imperialism, and Independence: 1550-1964. Themes in African History. Impact of the Slave Trade—loss of people; impact on state behavior and formation
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Africa Shaka warred against British imperialists The Diaspora, Imperialism, and Independence: 1550-1964
Themes in African History • Impact of the Slave Trade—loss of people; impact on state behavior and formation • Scramble for Africa—formal imperialism and incorporation into European System • Independence—legacy of arbitrary states and continued interference during the Cold War
1650-1700 497,500 1700-1750 2,261,600 1750-1800 3,828,100 1800-1850 3,186,800 1850-1900 231,700 Total 10,005,700 Brazil 35.4% Sp. Emp. 22.1% Br. Indies 17.7% Br. N. Am. 4.4% Total Africans Kidnapped into slavery and where they were taken
The Middle Passage—Olaudah Equiano we were all put under deck, so that we could not see how they managed the vessel. But this disappointment was the least of my sorrow. The stench of the hold while we were on the coast was so intolerably loathsome, that it was dangerous to remain there for any time, and some of us had been permitted to stay on the deck for the fresh air; but now that the whole ship’s cargo were confined together, it became absolutely pestilential. The closeness of the place, and the heat of the climate, added to the number in the ship, which was so crowded that each had scarcely room to turn himself, almost suffocated us. This produced copious perspirations, so that the air soon became unfit for respiration, from a variety of loathsome smells, and brought on a sickness among the slaves, of which many died, thus falling victims to the improvident avarice, as I may call it, of their purchasers. This wretched situation was again aggravated by the galling of the chains, now become insupportable; and the filth of the necessary tubs, into which the children often fell, and were almost suffocated….two of my wearied countrymen, who were chained together (I was near them at the time), preferring death to such a life of misery, somehow made through the nettings, and jumped into the sea: immediately another quite dejected fellow, who, on account of his illness, was suffered to be out of irons, also followed their example;
Emancipation • Enlightenment—slavery violates natural law • Industrialization—owners need to be able to fire workers when needed • Evangelicalism— “Am I not a man and a brother?” • Emancipation did not end Africa’s or Africans’ woes
Imperialism • White Man’s Burden • Desire to Christianize the Heathen • Need to secure Markets and Materials • Strategic Rivalries and competition
Scramble for Africa • 1880—90% of Africa ruled by Africans • 1900—almost all ruled by Europeans • 1884—Berlin West Africa Conference—Africa carved up by diplomats to prevent European war over spoils of conquest • Brutality characterized the so-called “civilizing mission”
Leopold II and the Congo—A Case Study • Rationale: protect Africans from Arab slave traders, convert Congolese to Christianity, and to bestow blessing of capitalism • Reality: Congo Free State was labor camp; rape and torture were routine; rubber quotas were imposed and workers failing to meet them had their hands chopped off
Movement Toward Independence • Even the Europeans couldn’t stomach Leopold and forced him to relinquish control of the Congo • 1900-Pan African Conference-denounced colonialism • Europeans had to rely on Africans to help govern; many of these Africans demanded independence
1919—Pan African Conference • In 1919 the second of five Pan-African Congresses was held. This was organized by the African American thinker and journalist, W.E.B. DuBois. Fifty seven delegates attended representing fifteen countries. Its principal task was petitioning the Versailles Peace Conference, then meeting in Paris. Among its demands were:a) The Allies administer the former German territories in Africa as a condominium on behalf of the Africans who lived there.b) Africans should take part in governing their countries "as fast as their development permits" until, at some unspecified time in the future, Africa is granted home rule.
African Independence • Sped up by WWII • Britain recognized independence of its colonies—all by 1964 • Problem between European long-time residents and Africans perisisted • Apartheid in South Africa • Arbitrary states often combined a range of “nationalities”—Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda for example • Cold War exacerbated African politics
“For centuries, Europeans dominated the African continent. The white man arrogated to himself the right to rule and to be obeyed by the non-white; his mission, he claimed, was to "civilize" Africa. Under this cloak, the Europeans robbed the continent of vast riches and inflicted unimaginable suffering on the African people. All this makes a sad story, but now we must be prepared to bury the past with its unpleasant memories and look to the future. All we ask of the former colonial powers is their goodwill and co-operation to remedy past mistakes and injustices and to grant independence to the colonies in Africa…. It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.” --Nkrumah, “I speak of freedom”--1961
What to do? • Idealism vs. Realism • Proportionalism • Birth control, education of women, clean water • Nation building has not worked and Africans deeply resent—for good reason—external experts who “know what’s best.”
