European Imperialism In 'Things Fall Apart'

“The truth is that neither British nor American imperialism was or is idealistic. It has always been driven by economic or strategic interest”, said Charles Reese. Colonization comes from the Latin word “inhabit” and is a process of control of land and its components. Throughout history colonization was to gain more power, culture, and many other selfish reasons. Most times colonization took place mainly in Africa. The ones who colonized were the Europeans. Due to colonization there were unfair treatment, decrease in population, and loss of unity. Everyone is the same no matter what color, social class, and how strong they are, but once one gains more power than another equality is out the door. In “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad Africans weren’t human according to the Europeans. For example, “While I stood horror- struck, one of these creatures rose to his hands and knees, and went off on all-fours towards the river to drink.” (Source 2) shows how Europeans see Africans as creatures just because they’re different. Another story about European colonization is “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. The people in Umuofia are being taken over by European missionaries that are …show more content…
“Ballade of Dead Republics” by Edgar Lee Masters is about Greece and Rome being colonized by the Spartans. For instance, “And Rome that staggered to death, perie, stabbed by the sword of Hannibal, and bled by patrician infamy…” (Source 1) is an example of how many deaths colonialism caused. As result of the Spartans of taking over Rome and Greece a large amount of the population were dead. Another example is found in “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. In the story the population in Umuofia is decreasing because of the Europeans. Those who disagree with Christianity or did something Christians don’t believe in are imprisoned or killed. Lives are ending since their land has been