Factors that Led to the Colonization of Africa (Term Paper Sample)

Name:
Tutor:
Task:
Date:
Factors that Led to the Colonization of Africa
Introduction
At the end of 18th century, Africa faced a number of aggressions including invasion by European nations. Even though some African countries put up resistance, it could not match the sophisticated weapons of the Europeans. Although the native inhabitants never understood the cause of colonization, there are two major factors that stood out, political and power issues and economic interests (Nardo, 2011)
In the 19th-century slave trade was abolished and this led to a decline in profits from the trade. In addition, the capitalist industry had no more chances of growing as most of its manufactured merchandise was not going past the retail shops. In addition, there was the need for raw materials in order to keep up with the industrial revolution (Nardo, 2011). The European industrial revolution required raw materials, and they saw Africa as an ideal place since it was unexplored at that particular time, unlike other continents. Although they knew that running a colony was expensive, they were motivated by the benefits that they were to gain from having a colony in Africa.
When other countries like Portugal established governments in Malawi, it created anxiety and worry to other European countries. So other European countries like Britain decided to come to Africa and establish colonies because none of them wanted to be considered weak. Acquiring more territories would mean having more power hence controlling trade and enhan...