Colonialism Exploitation of a stronger country over a weaker country – the weaker country’s resources are used to strengthen the stronger country

ColonialismColonialism

Exploitation of a stronger country over a weaker country – the weaker country’s resources are used to strengthen the stronger country

The act of spreading influence (tradition, language, religion, culture, etc) to another region

Example #1 – British Example #1 – British colonization over U.S.colonization over U.S.

Great Britain wanted to colonize U.S.

The British were sent to the U.S. to grow and retrieve cash crops and other resources

By doing so, Britain’s economy would have drastically improved

Example #2 – British Example #2 – British colonization over Hong Kong colonization over Hong Kong

Great Britain wanted to colonize Hong Kong, East Asia

The British invaded China since they saw the country as a massive unused market

British set conquest for tea, opium, and south east Asian cuisines, etc

At the end of the conquest, British cultures and traditions were mixed into Hong Kong’s atmosphere

ImperialismImperialism

The practice of controlling and governing a dependent country, territory, or population

The improvement of a country’s dominion and territory in general

The act of gaining power through the expansion of borders into foreign lands

Example #1 – British African Example #1 – British African Imperialism Imperialism

British wanted to imperialize Africa

Britain wanted valuable resources such as oil

Competition grew between European countries

Britain’s economy improved after Africa was colonized

Example #2 – British Indian Example #2 – British Indian ImperialismImperialism

Britain wanted to imperialize India

Britain aimed to gain resources and take control of vital trade routes throughout Asia

Colonialism in Colonialism in NigeriaNigeria

Things Fall Apart is set in Nigeria. It follows the life of an Igbo

tribe. The book shows the destruction of African cultures by

European colonialism.

Colonialism in NigeriaColonialism in Nigeria

Who colonized Nigeria?Britain colonized Nigeria. Nigeria is a country that was created by British colonialism.

How long was Nigeria colonized for?About 110 years, from 1850 to 1960


What did the British try to do?The British tried to convert beliefs of all people of Nigeria to Christianity. In order to give out orders easier, Britain divided Nigeria.

How did Nigeria gain independence?They used their military might to force Nigeria to be one by the unification of the southern and northern protectorates of Nigeria, since they knew that the Britain was able to rule over them because of the system of division.


ConsequencesEven though the British benefitted Nigeria in terms of health, agriculture, and education, British colonialism in Nigeria had negative impact on the Nigerian culture. They are still struggling to find their true identity, since the Nigerians were forced to believe that the western culture is the only true culture, during the colonialism. The British killed the Nigerian Monarchy, the Nigerian indigenous technology, even their culture.

Quote # 1Quote # 1

Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.

Quote AnalysisQuote Analysis

This quote displays a negative image of the world in the novel

The continuously spinning gyre indicated a headache of confusion

The falcon cannot hear its owner which indicates confusion and a lack of identity

Things start to fall apart and all hell is broken loose

This clearly describes the chaos in Nigeria during it’s colonization

Quote # 2Quote # 2

“Does the white man understand our custom about land?” “How can he when he does not even speak our tongue? But he says that our customs are bad; and our own brothers who have taken up his religion also say that our customs are bad. How do you think we can fight when our own brothers have turned against us? The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.”

Quote AnalysisQuote Analysis

Oberika and Okonkwo discuss the arrival of the colonists and how the colonists know the Umofians customs without knowing their language.

The colonists had converted the Umofians towards Christianity and thus they turned their backs on their own people

This shows that the colonists had used religion to neglect the clan members

Discussion Question # Discussion Question # 11

What do you think the Africans might have done to gain independence from the Europeans?

Possible AnswersPossible Answers

The Africans could have practiced non-violent methods of civil disobedience like Ghandi did during his reign.

The Africans could have simply fought their way out of being colonized as they would have fought on their soil giving them a major advantage.


How are colonialism and imperialism similar?


Both are actions which can improve a country’s economic and social status

Both actions conquest regions


What are the differences between colonialism and imperialism?


Imperialism is regarded as a policy in which an empire is expanded over foreign regions to improve it’s dominion

Colonialism is the act of conquest while spreading influence (tradition, language, religion, etc) and exploiting resources from foreign areas

Documents

Colonialism Exploitation of a stronger country over a weaker country – the weaker country’s resources are used to strengthen the stronger country