Social Studies
Grade 8
Name
Effects of Colonization
Decide whether these are positive, negative, or some of both for the
Africans.
Increased trade – Africa more a part of the global system – resources left
Africa in exchange for finished goods
Prices favor Europeans when trading
Discovery of gold, diamonds, copper in parts of Africa – mining industry
gets going
Companies run by whites – black Africans do lowest level, physical jobs
Land restrictions – some colonies were set up so blacks could only live in
certain areas, whites claimed best land for themselves
Missionaries convert many Africans to Christianity – also set up modern
schools and medical facilities
Education and medical care improve – brings about a feeling that traditional
African ways were backwards and inferior
Different ethnic groups played against each other – divide and rule
Europeans get involved in tribal politics – even telling some groups who
should be chief
Boundary lines created by European, not based on where African ethnic
groups lived
There are a variety of effects…which do you think outweighs the other, the
positive or the negative?
Persuasive Activity
After reviewing the effects of colonization, do you think the positives
or negatives are greater (for the Africans)?
For this activity, you will prepare what your arguments would be if
you were writing a persuasive essay with three body paragraphs. The catch
is that you will do it for both sides.
You will then try to convince someone in class – but you will do that
twice, arguing for each side once.
Position
Reason #1
Reason #2
Reason #3
The positive effects of European colonization of Africa
outweighed the negative.
Position
Reason #1
Reason #2
Reason #3
The negative effects of European colonization of Africa
outweighed the positive.