The Effects of Colonialism Today

Benjamin Tingle
Nov 2 · 3 min read

Colonialism permanently damaged the traditions, economy, and government in the countries it was established. Despite this, there is a common notion that Colonialism was a civilizing force, and brought economic development to the less developed world. This could not be further from the truth, as we are about to find out.

According to a recent poll, some 44 percent of British citizens say they are proud of their country’s colonial past [3]. The British believe that their Empire civilized the world, and they will argue that it brought economic development and modernization to the countries it conquered. It’s a nice story, but it isn’t the full truth. British colonial administration was efficient with its resources, and focused on maintaining law and order — not on development [1]. Throughout Britain’s occupation of India, India’s share of the global economy shrunk from 24% in 1700 to just 4% in 1950 [0]. Britain’s arrival in India meant changes, and these changes weren’t always for the better. Thriving Indian textile and handicraft industries were discarded, being replaced with modern factory industries [1]. These modern industries were not as lucrative for the Indian people, but one can assume that this is not something the British cared about, as the new factory industries produced more of what the British needed. Exploitation by the British would not be forgotten by India. After India gained its independence in 1950, it became a strong ally of the Soviet Union, spitting in the face of it’s former ruler.

Indian + Soviet Propaganda

The Continent of Africa saw the worst of what colonialism had to offer. One of the longest lasting effects of colonialism in Africa is the drawing of borders by the European powers. These borders were drawn in the 1884 Berlin Conference, a meeting between the great powers of Europe. During the conference, the great powers of Europe divided Africa up among themselves, drawing borders for new countries on the continent [2]. It goes without saying that African leaders did not have a seat at this conference. As a result, these new borders, intended to settle resource disputes between European powers, were not mindful of the geography of the areas or the composition of its people. The traditions of many African people were eroded by these new artificial borders. New borders divided up various ethnic groups, and conflicts between different ethnic groups were instigated by the European powers, seeking to weaken African resistance and strengthen their control. African countries, though independent today, still suffer from constant border disputes and civil war, as a direct result of these poorly drawn borders. Colonialism has had significant impact on the politics of Africa. Political figures like Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe are prominent in Africa, due to their nationalist, anti-colonialist and socialist politics.

Portrait of Robert Mugabe, former leader of Zimbabwe

The aim of colonial powers was not to develop the areas they occupied, but rather to take their wealth and keep them in line. As a result of this, there is still bitterness between European powers and their former colonies. It is in the best interest of European powers to maintain a friendly and trusting relationship with their former colonies, so that they may prosper together. A good way to say “sorry” for old crimes may be through reparations. If we are truly sorry for the deeds of the past, it only makes sense that we give back what was stolen from these countries.

Sources:

[0] : http://indiafacts.org/british-colonization-india/

[1] : http://www.ggdc.net/maddison/articles/moghul_3.pdf

[2] : https://africaupclose.wilsoncenter.org/colonial-borders-in-africa-improper-design-and-its-impact-on-african-borderland-communities/

[3] : https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/british-people-are-proud-of-colonialism-and-the-british-empire-poll-finds-a6821206.html

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade