Imperialism on Africa

In 1884, The Berlin Conference decided that free trade and travel could occur on the Niger and Congo Rivers, thus, making it easier for European powers to take over parts of Africa. A “scramble for Africa” occurred when Europeans started to compete for African colonies. Once Europe took control of Africa, Imperialism had a major effect on this newly obtained continent. Colonization brought many benefits as well as hardships to the continent. Political, economic, cultural, and technological influences of expansion were on both Europeans and non-Europeans during this time.

There were many effects of colonization; some were positive and others were negative. Charitable efforts improved sanitation, education and health, which increase the life expectancy and literacy rate. Another positive effect was that new European rulers established strong control over the people, which reduced the problems among them. Africa also gained many railroads, dams, and telephones, which they nee...