Abstract This paper examines the economic and social problems faced by the Republic of Cameroon, a relatively young independent country of central west Africa. The paper points out that Cameroon achieved its independence from France and Britain in 1960 and quickly unified into one republic from the separate territories controlled by both France and Britain. The paper posits that because Cameroon is extremely diverse, both culturally and demographically, some would assume that having numerous people groups would hinder the progress of unification in such a developing country. However, despite recent social and economic crises, the people of Cameroon have been able to tolerate the many cultural differences present, and have dealt with a less than desirable economy and a growing AIDS epidemic in a respectable manner. The paper concludes that, despite the problem of ethnic fragmentation and regional divisions spawned by a colonial history, the many ethnic groups overcame a civil war and re-united to grow one of the best economies in sub-Saharan Africa.
From the Paper "As noted, from the time that Cameroon declared independence from the colonial rule of the French and British, there has been a seemingly never ending line of economic problems, but, Cameroon's independence began with economic success. Although the economy relied heavily on the exporting of agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, bananas and palm oil, and remained very dependent on French capital, the economy thrived. The role of the French was still clear in much of Cameroon's economic transactions; nearly 60 percent of Cameroon's exports were to the French, and 55 percent of the imported products were from France. This beneficial partnership allowed Cameroon to be known as a success story in light of the rest of the continent's development, and boasted the title of the most prosperous country in Africa (Konings 248)."
Tags: third world, developing country, AfricaeconomyunificationcolonizationEuropeancolony
Abstract The paper considers three key events in European imperialism, in order to prove that tensions in Europe resulted in the rush for land in other continents. The paper looks at Britain's aggressive actions in the 1860s, the French expansion in the 1870s and Britain's war with Ireland, 1916 until today. The paper shows how these European conflicts first forced the countries into colonies, then into territorial fights over the colonies, and finally, forced them to withdraw from these lands when wars in Europe crippled their economic and diplomatic might.
From the Paper "The Prussian minister, Bismarck, was completing his mission of a German empire, united under Prussia. Between 1860 and 1870, Bismarck waged war upon first Denmark, capturing significant duchies, then Austria, defeating the powerful country in seven weeks during 1866, and finally, while fighting a war with France, absorbing the southern German states into his empire, along with the French territory Alsace-Lorraine. Within only one decade, Bismarck had taken Prussia from one of a number of German states, to a powerful empire complete with lands taken from other countries. Britain had been forced to watch from the sidelines, leaving her with lost diplomatic influence."
Tags:colonies, expansion, Britain, France, Ireland, India, Africa
Abstract This paper discusses Europeancolonial rule in the global south. The paper argues that it is not possible to generalize about the impact of Europeancolonial rule on the global south, because that impact varies so markedly, depending upon the particular colonial power and the region in question.
From the Paper "In The Dynamics of Global Dominance David B Abernethy maintains that identifying the legacies of European rule is fraught with conceptual and methodological perils. To assert that colonialism had consequence X or Y is not to claim ..."
Tags:Africa, East Southeast Asia, Latin America, Middle-East, development, Britain, WWII, export, culture, politics, resources
Abstract This paper reviews important materials that have been published regarding the effect of Europeancolonialism on the Torres Strait Islands. According to the paper, much of it has been intrusive, negative and degrading.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "Writing in Australian Geographical Studies, Kym Seebohm and Gerry Morvell assert that while the Islanders have gained a bit more autonomy (due to the establishment of the 1994 Torres Strait Regional Authority) in recent years, the exploitation of Torres Strait Island ecosystems by non-native interests is ongoing and destructive. To wit, there is "over-exploitation of certain fisheries"; there are the negative effects of "trawling on seabed communities"; the "discarding of by-catch" and the "mortality of turtles and dugongs caught in trawl nets" are enormous concerns, Seebohm explains. Moreover, endangered species in Torres Strait Islands lack protective measures and also, there are "human health concerns" resulting from the "heavy metal concentrations in traditional seafood" being harvested. "
Abstract This paper explains that, from the 15th century onward, Europeancolonization of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa was motivated by economic greed and by religious zeal on the part of European nations, especially Spain, to spread Christianity to the "uncivilized" indigenous peoples. The author points out that, as a result of New World colonialism, Spanish influence is still strongly felt throughout the Americas today and British, Dutch, French and Portuguese influence is still strongly evident in many parts of Africa. The paper stresses that this Europeancolonization created massive changes, most of which were for the worse, in the physical landscape and in the economic distribution of wealth and resources on both continents, which today continue to strongly affect the people, their lack of resources and the overall conditions of those areas.
From the Paper "Latin America today suffers similarly in many ways, also an unfortunate legacy of past European invasion. Perhaps most interestingly, Brazil, the Latin American nation most ravaged by the Portuguese, suffers from an AIDS epidemic equal to those of parts of Africa. Indigenous peoples of Brazil, their numbers severely decreased by a smallpox epidemic brought by European settlers, live today in isolated pockets of Andean poverty. Some of Brazil's indigenous tribes are so small today that they risk dying out within the next generation. Meanwhile, Brazil's tropical rain forests continue today to be destroyed in the name of "progress", wreaking havoc with our worldwide ecosystem."
Abstract This paper discusses how various methods of colonialism used by Europeans to colonizeAfrica are described in the novels, "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. It shows how Reverend Smith, Mr. Brown, and Kurtz practice different beliefs about colonialism and how each interpretation, peaceful or not, has an effect upon the African people. It compares these methods of colonization by exploring the idea of the Africans being seen as "savages", the search for African riches, and the introduction of Christianity to these "pagans." European imperialism is also examined in both novels.
From the Paper "When Brown builds a school in Umuofia, he further spreads his culture in a peaceful manner. By convincing the village to send its children to learn to read and write, he finds a way to teach his pupils about European culture. Brown's method most likely works better than others does because he accomplishes his purpose in a much more subtle way. The Ibo do not feel as pressured to accept these new ways, for they are slipped carefully in amongst the songs and scriptures. He manages to colonize by teaching the natives, not by brutalizing them or overtaking their way of life."
Abstract As an after effect of the Colonial period and as a result of interbreeding between visiting Europeans and the indigenous women of a new colony, a new race of people appeared. In this paper the author explores the predicament of these "hybrid or Metis populations. The paper examines the case of the Eurasians of India, (Anglo-Indians as they came to be known) who are the result of such unions and still identified as mixed-race and form a culturally composite community. The paper also takes a look at the French Metissage ("mixed-blood") population. The author examines each of these groupings and the relationships and attitudes of the dominant colonial population to them as well as the attitudes of the indigenous population to these new populations.
From the Paper "To find the opinion of other Africans is a nearly impossible task. For one, the group of people is so vast it would never have a collective opinion and would be ignorant to assume otherwise. Another issue is that there is little information written by Africans prior to the 20th century. Most writings stating African opinion are authored by citizens of the ruling nation, whose credibility to write about the sentiments of the Africans is highly suspect at best."
Tags: india, canada, european, colony, hybrid, traders, soldiers, mulatto, africa, france, england, metis
Abstract The paper notes that societies, like those of Africa, have been the target of religious indoctrination into monotheism from what was previously a pagan society. The paper comments that in Africa, we find that a blending of paganism and monotheism continues to evolve the culture. The paper highlights that we have an opportunity to observe Africa's clashing cultures, paganism and monotheism, and we can see emerging from that clash, a changing social landscape. Focusing on West Africa, the paper examines that changing landscape, in order to understand what the role of religion amidst this clash is in West Africa today.
Outline:
West Africa - A Brief History
The Developmental Impact of Islam and Christianity in West Africa Conclusion
From the Paper "For centuries, West Africa's coast and rivers have been accessible as routes of trade, including slave trade. This means that as monotheism, and more notably Christianity and Islam, spread throughout the world, West Africa was accessible to both from virtually all directions. By the time Europeans thought to introduce Christianity to West Africa, the areas that constitute West Africa had already received Islam. Like the rest of Africa, West Africa was colonized by European powers, and France represented the greatest presence in West Africa . By 1946, the move for emancipation was prevalent across the African continent. West Africa was, like its neighbors, slowly freed of European imperialism. However, there remained in West Africa the residual social infrastructure of the European experience in, among other things, Christianity."
Abstract This paper examines the historical facts of the slave trade in West Africa and its impact on the degradation of its society today. The paper illustrates how the Europeancolonial slave trade affects current political, economic and social issues of the region.
From the Paper "According to recent studies, approximately 24 million Africans were abducted forcibly from West Africa alone and enslaved (Centre for Black & African Arts & Civilisation, 2002, 1). This paper endeavours to explore the ?impact of the slave trade on West Africa.? The historical injustices of the slave trade have undeniably affected West Africa detrimentally in the political, economic and social arenas. The gravity of such a negative impact is what leaders of nations historically involved in the slave trade are discussing as they determine what reparations can be made to the victims of this inhumane practice."
Abstract This paper looks at the arrival of Europeans on North American shores with respect to the way that it affected the lifestyle of Native Americans. It focuses on the diseases introduced to North America by these Europeans. The paper begins by providing a background to the way of life of the Native Americans before the arrival of the Europeans. It then turns to the arrival of epidemics in North America, responsible for Native Americans suffering higher mortality rates than at any other time in human history. The most common diseases introduced to the "New World" at the time are discussed as are the affect these diseases had on the Native American mortality rate. The paper then turns to the way that the lifestyle of Native Americans was affected by these diseases. It speaks of the weakened ability to resist colonization and the Europeanization of Native American culture. It concludes by proposing the argument that the introduction of these epidemics was not accidental, and that they were intended to weaken the defenses of Native Americans against the colonizers.
From the Paper "In early America, when people of three continents came together, the Native Americans were dramatically affected by epidemics, suffering higher mortality rates than any other time in human history. (Geier, 1991) People from Latin America, North America and Europe merged, each carrying and introducing diseases indigenous to their own societies.
"When the Native Americans first encountered common European diseases like smallpox, measles and dysentery, millions died. In extreme cases, 90 percent of certain Indian tribes died as European epidemics swept through their villages."
Abstract Historians have continually argued as to the motives of the imperialist expansion of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Lenin and historians such as Hobson argue that economic motives alone motivated this expansion and other historians have presented different views as to the origins of expansion such as political and diplomatic causes as well as cultural factors such as religion and nationalism. It examines all these other motives, in order to conclude whether economic motives alone or a variety of factors caused the imperialist expansion of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
From the Paper "Lenin called Imperialism the highest stage of capitalism, in his book he outlined that any improvement in working class wages and living conditions could only be secured at the expense of the workers of the undeveloped world. In other words capitalism had found a new proletariat to exploit in the third world. In his book Lenin claimed that the Great War was in reality the result of capitalist states clashing with each other in their drive for new colonies and overseas markets. Many anti Marxist historians have criticized Marxist analyses of Imperialism; they have argued that imperialism had no connection to capitalism. "
Abstract This paper presents a brief history of the Native Americans of California, focusing on their struggles with colonizingEuropeans and their eventual loss of land and civil rights. The paper traces the history of Native Americans in the US back to their arrival in North America from Asia. Next the author describes their settlement and cultures in North America, and California specifically. The paper highlights the arrival of Europeans to Californian, describing the Native American's subsequent loss of loss of land, culture and autonomy. Special attention is paid to the effects of reservations on the Native American population.
Outline:
California Indians
Population Decline of California Indian
Figure-1: Native California [Census 2000]
Figure-2: Native California Population [Census 2000]
Indian Plight since Columbian Period
Paper includes maps and charts.
From the Paper "This exploitation continued well into the twentieth century and displacement of Native Indian from reserves continued with little or no compensation until the early twentieth century. The enlightened society of the twentieth century began to apply the laws which have been on the statutes for centuries to all Americans. Discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion and sex can not be legally justified anymore. This important factor now provides legal rights and new protection to Native Indians. "
Abstract The following paper looks at the impact of Europeancolonialism upon its own self-identity and upon its place in the world by reviewing a text entitled, :Modernity: An Introduction to Modern Societies.: While the reading glosses over the impact of the Europeans upon the indigenous peoples they were displacing, it does offer some interesting insights into how overseas adventurism changed European cartography and self-identification.
From the Paper "As much as Western imperial powers may wish otherwise, there can be little doubt that colonialism inflicted great harm upon many indigenous peoples the world over. Of all the many depredations that can be laid at the feet of colonial activity, one of the most pernicious was - and remains - population displacement. Among other things, this paper will examine the extent to which population displacement is treated in Modernity: an Introduction to Modern Societies. As will soon become evident, the paper refers to the issue of population displacement only obliquely while focusing far more upon the impact of Western expansion and colonialism upon western self-identity. "
This paper looks at world trade policies and restricted market access by developed nations as a cause of marginalization in global trade of Sub-Saharan Africaeconomies.
Abstract This paper examines how world trade policies have caused a marginalization in global trade in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) economies. The paper begins by examining the official World Trade Organization (WTO) and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) economic policies with regard to SSA. Next, the paper examines the implications of world trade policies. Then the paper discusses how foreign aid, whether in the form of charitable aid or foreign investment in SSA economies, impacts the production capability of SSA countries. Finally, the paper examines the progress made by SSA nations, the developed world, WTO, and GATT to assist SSA nations in their efforts to fairly share in the global economy. After discussing the cause of the economic problems faced by SSA countries as a result of world trade policies, the paper then proposes several solutions to those problems. The paper suggests ways that the developed world can help SSA nations take their places in the global economy. More importantly, the paper suggests ways in which the SSA nations can take control of their developing economies and become competitive in the global market. Finally, the writer maintains that diversifying the economic base for individual SSA nations, as well at the region in general, should lead to greater economic stability and competitiveness.
Contents:
Introduction
Discussion
Poverty in SSA
Official WTO Policy
Economic Subsidies
Tariffs
Non-tariff Barriers to Trade
Dumping
Foreign Aid
The Downside of Trade Liberalization
HIV/AIDS
Progress
Recommendations
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Anyone with even a passing familiarity with the global economy is aware that SSA countries, despite their abundant human and natural resources, have not taken a competitive position in the global economy. While the casual observer may believe that SSA's failure to be competitive in the global economy is a result of the interior workings of the economies of those SSA nations, even a cursory investigation into world trade policies quickly reveals a bias against the growth of economies. For example, many of the trade policies established by the WTO under GATT guidelines inhibit true economic growth in SSA economies. Furthermore, those trade policies have helped shape the economic infrastructure of SSA nations, in such a manner that those countries actually maintain policies that inhibit their own economic growth."
Abstract This paper considers the best economic strategy for poor countries to develop and applies this to South Africa. The paper notes the need for an infrastructure and for foreign investment from multinational enterprises in particular, with South Africa having to overcome the economic damage done by the long-term and now abandoned policy of apartheid, which contributed to the high unemployment and poverty facing the country.
From the Paper "Economic development is a subject of study in the West and a vital necessity for the poor countries of the world. Technology is identified as one of the four key elements for a country to generate a higher standard of living, along with natural resources, capital, and a skilled workforce. Emerging nations today can take full advantage of the technological developments that have been made by developed nations (Mobius 37). A country like South Africa has particular difficulty today because of the long neglect of proper development during the decades of apartheid, when racial divisions created a lopsided economic system where whites benefited and blacks did not."
