Western colonialism was an extensive and destructive period of European expansion across the world that left behind numerous indelible legacies that continue to haunt our world today.
In the 15th century, Europe’s explorers discovered new lands that would eventually become home to many countries in North and South America. Unfortunately, many Indigenous people suffered under their colonizers’ oppression.
The Origins
Western colonialism began in the 1500s, when European countries began exploring and conquesting regions across Asia, Africa, and America. These colonies spread European culture and institutions while revolutionizing local economies in these regions.
Europe’s desire to expand its power and wealth led to the founding of numerous colonies throughout history, each with its own characteristics and set of values. One prominent form of colonialism was extractive, meaning European empires exploited a country’s resources for profit. This type of colonialism often included slavery as well, which helped extract raw materials that could then be sold back home at a profit.
Extraction colonies were more prevalent during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, yet these exploitations continued into the nineteenth century as well. As a result, these colonies often exploited both nature and indigenous peoples alike; evidence can be seen in how Europeans decimated rainforests, poisoned rivers, and eradicated native species.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, European nations such as Britain, France, Portugal, and Spain began colonizing Africa. They first occupied territories they believed to be natural but soon expanded beyond these boundaries – known as “The Scramble for Africa.” Unfortunately for indigenous populations living there, this process was known as colonization and had devastating results.
At this time, Europeans used their newly acquired power to construct artificial borders that divided entire nations into smaller and smaller pieces. These boundaries caused divisions between different groups of people and left behind a legacy of social inequality which still affects societies today.
As a result, many of these countries suffer from extreme poverty, inadequate healthcare and lack of access to basic services like education. This makes it difficult for these nations to tackle climate change or other environmental problems head-on.
Though colonialism’s effects may be difficult to comprehend, it must be remembered that its long history of harming both people and the environment must be acknowledged. While this violence may not always be intentional, the consequences can be long lasting on Earth’s ecosystems as well as leading to the erasure of indigenous cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
The Efforts
In the 1500-1900 era, European nations began colonizing much of Asia and Africa by sending settlers or taking control of governments. This marked a period of immense change for many people living in these regions that can still be felt today.
Western colonialism has had far-reaching effects, with many societies still suffering from poverty and racial discrimination decades after the end of colonial rule. Unfortunately, failing to address its legacies has compounded global issues like climate change and environmental degradation.
As the world grapples with pressing issues such as globalisation, migration and global finance, it is essential to examine how European colonialism shaped these developments in order to better comprehend their consequences. In particular, exploring how colonialism impacted economic development in Asia and Africa can inform debates regarding these pressing matters.
One of the most notable examples was science’s role in European colonialism, which served as a major driving force of growth and development during this time. British scientist James Ross, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1907, famously declared: “My work has made me a colonial genius” (see picture).
It is an example of how modern science was deeply embedded in European colonialism’s culture. It illustrates how modern science served as a powerful tool for social control, and it underscores the limitations of efforts to decolonize science.
One example is the role played by Indians in European colonialism, who contributed to Britain’s military and political success. India served as an essential resource for Britain, and their troops and resources helped maintain Britain’s empire throughout its colonies.
At the outset of colonialism in Asia-Pacific, Indian troops and resources were not a choice but an essential necessity to maintain European dominance. In some cases, Indians even refused to become involved; yet in others they were willing to play an essential role. Today, descendants of these Indians remain among the largest ethnic groups around the world.
The Successes
Western colonialism had a lasting legacy throughout the world. From 1492 to 1914, Europe exerted dominance over most of Asia and beyond, leaving many former colonies with persistent poverty and slow economic growth to this day.
European colonialism had mixed effects on development around the world, with some areas benefitting from it and others not so much. Furthermore, results of European colonialism varied due to varying initial conditions in colonies.
For instance, European settlers in Latin America sought to establish a society based on the exploitation of indigenous peoples. On the contrary, this strategy could not be realized in North America due to the absence of such populations.
On the other hand, regardless of the different starting conditions in different colonial territories, European settlers had one common aim: to establish Western-style industrial and agricultural economies. This was possible in places like Latin America due to its dense indigenous populations and relatively benign disease environment that made settlement and economic development feasible.
British colonists in West Africa were driven by the desire to civilize the native population as part of a grander strategy to expand European empires across Asia.
Finally, European settlers in Europe were driven by a desire for glory and power. This also formed part of their strategy to conquer and colonize other parts of the world as European nations competed with one another over who could claim the most colonies.
In the end, it was this desire for glory and power that propelled European colonialism to unprecedented levels. By the 19th century, European nations claimed their colonies as their own to rule over.
While some defenders of Western colonialism have attempted to justify it as a moral good, there remain those who view it as evil. Indeed, an article published by Third World Quarterly that asserted Western colonialism was “objectively beneficial” and “subjectively legitimate” caused outcry and an online petition with over 10,000 signatures demanding its removal. This proves that the debate on colonialism remains relevant today and requires historians to carefully examine this controversy.
The Consequences
Western colonialism has had a far-reaching and profound effect on the world. It has shaped the development trajectory of peoples around the world, from Americas to Africa, creating societies which are fundamentally different from their original ones, further compounding social, economic, and environmental problems faced by many indigenous groups.
While some of the outcomes were positive – for instance, in North America colonialism led to democratic institutions that promote equality and human rights – others were negative. For instance, some colonial experiences created extractive institutions that contributed to poor long-run development outcomes in countries like Latin America, Africa, and South Asia.
The legacies of colonialism still affect human rights today. For instance, many policies and practices adopted by colonial governments remain in place and continue to foster ethnic rivalry, discriminate against local populations, and distribute resources unequally. Furthermore, these restrictions often extend rights with regards to traditional lands, resources, and cultural language.
These impacts can result in the denial of fundamental rights and contribute to inequalities within and between States, as well as present challenges when trying to reach sustainable development objectives.
To address these effects, the international community must acknowledge colonialism’s devastating impact on self-determination and pledge to address its legacies as part of its dedication to upholding and protecting human rights in all their forms. This commitment is essential for achieving full enjoyment of these rights, particularly within the framework of sustainable development.
To fulfill these ends, the international community must ensure States fulfill their obligations to eradicate colonialism’s damaging legacies and are willing to work constructively with those affected by past violations of human rights. Therefore, the Council should encourage all Member States to engage in dialogue about how colonialism has hindered access to and enjoyment of human rights.
The Council should examine the role of transitional justice in dealing with colonialism’s legacies and its effect on self-determination rights, including reparations obligations. States should be encouraged to address their negative effects as a precondition for realizing rights to development and life, while providing support for transitional justice programs.
Recommended readings:
- What is Colonialism?
- Colonialism in the United States and Canada
- What Is Social Science?
- What is Imperialism?
- What Is Southeast Asia?
