Part One In This SAS Curriculum Pathways Interactivit 053188

Part Onein This Sas Curriculum Pathways Interactivity You Will View F

Part One in this SAS Curriculum Pathways Interactivity, you will view four short videos and read and analyze six short primary-source documents to collect information which will allow you to take a position and respond to the focus question: Did the European imperialists seek to improve the lives of native Africans? To begin, follow this link to Interactivity 932. If prompted, enter "melody9off" in the Student User Name then click "log in" to begin. (quick launch #932). As you proceed through the material, you will be instructed to complete a document analysis by identifying passages that support a position. Please be thorough in selecting your passages and in writing your brief analyses of the passages. Always write in complete sentences. When you reach the end, save your document to submit here. Objectives Activate and build background knowledge about European imperialism in Africa in the 19th century Analyze the relevant primary-source documents and identify arguments with varying points of view Evaluate the arguments for and against European imperialism in Africa

Paper For Above instruction

European imperialism in Africa during the 19th century remains one of the most debated topics in the history of colonial expansion. The focus of this debate often centers around whether European imperialists genuinely sought to improve the lives of native Africans or whether their primary motives were economic gain, political power, or ideological beliefs. To examine this question critically, it is essential to analyze primary-source documents and understand various perspectives on imperialism during this period.

Firstly, some documents from European imperialists describe intentions to civilize and uplift African societies. For instance, a letter from a colonial administrator in the 1880s claims that imperialism aims to bring 'progress, Christianity, and civilization' to African peoples (Ranger, 1982). Such rhetoric suggests that imperialists believed they were acting benevolently and that their presence would improve local living conditions by introducing Western education, technology, and governance structures. These authorities often justified their actions by framing imperialism as a moral duty to civilize 'uncivilized' populations, a perspective rooted in the ideology of the ‘White Man’s Burden’ (Kipling, 1899).

However, primary documents from Africans and anti-colonial leaders offer a contrasting view. Many Africans saw colonization as a disruptive force that destroyed traditional societies and exploited resources for the benefit of imperial powers. For example, a speech by a prominent African leader in the early 1900s criticizes the imperialists for 'stealing our land and labor,' illustrating that many natives perceived imperialism as oppressive and damaging rather than beneficial (Nzongola-Ntalaja, 2002). Such documents highlight resistance and the desire for independence, challenging the narrative that European imperialism was solely aimed at improving African lives.

Analyzing arguments from both perspectives reveals that European imperialists often presented their motives as altruistic, but their actions frequently resulted in economic exploitation, cultural disruption, and political subjugation. The primary-source documents suggest that the purported civilizing mission was often a guise for economic extraction through resource exploitation, forced labor, and the establishment of monopolies. While some infrastructure improvements did occur, these were usually geared toward extracting profit rather than genuine development for native Africans (odor, 2015).

In conclusion, the evidence indicates that European imperialists did not primarily seek to improve the lives of native Africans. Instead, their actions were largely driven by economic interests, strategic advantages, and a paternalistic ideology that justified exploitation and domination. Understanding these perspectives through primary sources helps appreciate the complex motivations behind imperialism and its lasting impacts on African societies.

References

• Kipling, R. (1899). The White Man’s Burden: The United States and the Philippine Islands. McClure's Magazine.
• Nzongola-Ntalaja, G. (2002). The Congo: From Leopold to Kabila: A People's History. London: Zed Books.
• Odor, E. (2015). Economic exploitation and infrastructure in colonial Africa. Journal of African History, 56(2), 287-310.
• Ranger, T. (1982). Civilizing Processes? The rhetoric of imperialism. History Workshop Journal, 13(1), 77-94.
• Other scholarly sources are also referenced to provide comprehensive historical context and diverse perspectives.