There was a goal that the Europeans had during the 19th and 20th century: Colonize Africa. They had almost completely partitioned the entire continent. The Africans would spend their time trying to resist, but it would fail. Eventually in the 1960's, majority of the countries had gained their independence. The impacts of imperialism would be a lasting one on the region of West Africa, as well as the rest of Africa.
People always have a single story of Africa, a story that was filled was filled with catastrophe. When they think of Africa, all they think of is beautiful landscapes, many animals, and people who are dying from aids and senseless wars. They traditionally feel pity and an automatic surge to help. That Africans can never live like the western world. Little do they realize, that if not for imperialism, Africa may not be where it is today.
The impact of imperialism was seen almost immediately. The people were forced to conform and assimilate to the religion of the Europeans. The Europeans brought over Christianity. Today, Christianity is a represented religion with a sum of followers in almost all of the countries in Western Africa. Sometimes had to conform to language. One of the first areas the French colonized in Africa was Senegal. You can clearly see the lasting impression that the French imperialists had on Senegal because its' official language is French. Also, many of the countries have adopted some sort of democracy. They are having a little issue establishing it though. They still face the challenges of corrupt leaders not wanting to give up presidency and citizens trying to jeopardize voting.
People always have a single story of Africa, a story that was filled was filled with catastrophe. When they think of Africa, all they think of is beautiful landscapes, many animals, and people who are dying from aids and senseless wars. They traditionally feel pity and an automatic surge to help. That Africans can never live like the western world. Little do they realize, that if not for imperialism, Africa may not be where it is today.
The impact of imperialism was seen almost immediately. The people were forced to conform and assimilate to the religion of the Europeans. The Europeans brought over Christianity. Today, Christianity is a represented religion with a sum of followers in almost all of the countries in Western Africa. Sometimes had to conform to language. One of the first areas the French colonized in Africa was Senegal. You can clearly see the lasting impression that the French imperialists had on Senegal because its' official language is French. Also, many of the countries have adopted some sort of democracy. They are having a little issue establishing it though. They still face the challenges of corrupt leaders not wanting to give up presidency and citizens trying to jeopardize voting.