British Colonization Of Africa Essay

Sprouting from a religious conquest, the British incentive to colonizing Africa was spreading their Christian ideologies that then turned into a fight against slavery. Africa was in a vulnerable situation due to the low morale of slavery demand. As mass production of crops and trade became popular, “Africa became the main source of laborers for Europeans.” The slave trade became so catastrophic to Africa due to the immense need for workers. One attempt the British had planned to revitalize Africa’s civilization struggle was to ban slavery and generate Christianity. The movement of abolishment of slavery was “motivated by religious belief of equality.” This of course can be seen as controversial because around the 1690s, the English had been …show more content…
Unlike many European powers, Britain focused on traditional leaders in Africa. Instead of appointing their own men, Britain would use “African leaders to help put order into their colonial government.” Adopted by many imperialists, this approach was mainly used for unfamiliar lands to avoid conflict and the disadvantage of poor knowledge of new territory. Another tactical approach that Britain had was using good relation with leaders to their advantage. In hopes to occupy the small vacant lands in Africa, Britain’s slow yet well thought out plan helped their advancement. The Ashanti Federation was known for their gold-producing region Kumasi. European powers became interested in claiming these lands. Britain’s battle to gain the Ashanti Federation began with quite a big downfall. Sir Charles McCarthy led a small British army into loss against the “Ashanti resulting in McCarthy’s skull being used as a drink cup.” The second war against the Ashanti uprooted from Britain taking Dutch territory. General Wolseley of Britain successfully defeated the Ashanti allowing the British occupation of the capital called Kumasi. A treaty of peace and protection was proposed between the two that was approved by the Ashantehene also known as the leader. The treaty became one of the main advantages for Britain however a twisted betrayal against their “fellow” Africans. …show more content…
The image above depicts Ashanti being forced out of their indigenous homes. Women and children run from fear. The British are physically equipped weapons where as the African’s are taken by surprise. The white men yet again take land that belonged to rightful owners. The Cape is another example of African land being taken by “superior” white men. Before Britain’s settlement in the Cape, the land first belonged to the Dutch. During the Napoleonic War, Britain took interest in Dutch territory. As a result, the people of “South Africa without request of desire on their part, were given over to England.” Many of the lands that the British took had already been civilized with African culture and