Effects of Imperialism

A WH1 Presentation

by Mr. Hess

Introduction

While imperialism certainly had an immediate impact, it had several powerful long-term effects which are still noticeable today.

1. Income Gap

The rich got richer and the poor got poorer.

European nations took raw materials, labor, and taxes from their colonies.

2. Illogical Boundaries Between Nations

European nations created national boundaries without regard for tribal boundaries, which were much more complex.

Many of these boundaries continued to exist after the Europeans withdrew, causing various ethnic groups to struggle to coexist with one another.

3. Rivalry and Competition Between European Powers

This culminated in World War I.

4. Destruction of Traditional Family and Village Life

Europeans often imposed their ways of life on the people they imperialized.

5. Loss of Local Government

Most African governments had controlled small areas of land.

This ended with the new boundaries imposed by Europeans.

Africans usually lacked the experience to run large national governments.

6. Improved Education, Sanitation and Medicine

While most of the effects of imperialism were negative, many areas did benefit in these respects.

7. Infrastructure in Africa

Under European direction, roads were built and various systems of transportation (railroad, etc.) and communication (mail, etc.) were put in place.

8. Cultural Exchange

While European ideas were introduced to Africa, African ideas were also introduced to Europe.