Explain how Africa’s colonial legacy has influenced post-independence conflict in the Sub-Saharan region.
its not multiple choice its write
What have you learned from your reading assignment?
idk im confused about how the question is worded
Most countries of southern Africa were governed for many years by European nations. They fought for and won independence in the 1960s. How did the European colonization and the subsequent fighting affect these countries after they became independent?
1. Explain how Africa’s colonial legacy … in the Sub-Saharan region.
what is meant by "Africa's colonial legacy"? Which countries colonized places in Africa? Consider only areas/current countries south of the Sahara Desert.
2. has influenced post-independence conflict
Consider different African countries after the colonizers left. Did those countries have trouble learning to govern themselves? … to get along with neighboring countries? Give examples and explanations.
They had to recover from the damage?
Who are they?
What damage?
Be sure to write at least a paragraph EXPLAINING all this. One sentence will not answer the question.
Africa's colonial legacy has had a significant impact on the post-independence conflict in the Sub-Saharan region. To understand this influence, let's break it down into several key aspects:
1. Arbitrary Borders: During the colonization period, European powers often drew borders without considering the ethnic, linguistic, or cultural divisions of African societies. This led to the creation of artificial nations, often consisting of multiple communities with historical rivalries. After gaining independence, these colonial boundaries became the basis of the new African states. The lack of consideration for local dynamics and identities resulted in tensions and conflict among different groups within these countries.
2. Imposition of Power Structures: Colonial powers established hierarchical structures of governance that favored certain ethnic or tribal groups over others. They used divide-and-rule strategies, centralizing power in the hands of a minority or promoting one ethnic group above others. After independence, these inequitable power dynamics continued to exist, creating tensions and resentment between different groups competing for resources, representation, and influence over decision-making.
3. Economic Exploitation: Colonial powers exploited Africa's resources for their own benefit, establishing extractive systems that focused on exporting raw materials and neglecting local industries and infrastructure development. This exploitation created a legacy of economic inequality, as the colonial powers did not invest in human capital, education, or diversified economies. Post-independence, African countries faced challenges in building inclusive and sustainable economic systems, leading to competition over limited resources and contributing to conflict.
4. Legacy of Divide and Rule: The colonial powers deliberately exacerbated ethnic, religious, and regional divisions to maintain control over their African colonies. They established policies that favored one group over others or intentionally inflamed existing tensions. These divisions remained after independence, laying the groundwork for conflicts centered around ethnic, religious, or regional identities.
5. Incomplete Decolonization: In some cases, colonies achieved independence without fully dismantling the colonial administrative or political structures. This often resulted in neocolonialism, where former colonial powers continued to exert significant influence over the newly independent countries. These external influences, combined with the challenges of building effective governance systems, led to power struggles and further instability.
In summary, Africa's colonial legacy has influenced post-independence conflict in the Sub-Saharan region through the imposition of arbitrary borders, inequitable power structures, economic exploitation, the legacy of divide and rule, and incomplete decolonization. Understanding this legacy helps to shed light on the complex dynamics and challenges faced by African nations as they strive for peace, stability, and sustainable development.