Assignment GGH2601 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 (649301) - DUE date
25 March 2025
Question
The scramble for Africa has been well documented. Discuss some of the
implications of colonialism for economic and social aspects of development
on the African continent. Examine the importance of achieving economic
growth and poverty reduction as strategies for accelerating development on
the African continent.
QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Introduction
The colonial period in Africa, primarily characterized by the scramble for Africa, deeply
influenced the continent's social, economic, and political structures. The partitioning of the
continent by European powers and the establishment of exploitative colonial systems have
had long-lasting effects on African nations. This essay explores the economic and social
implications of colonialism on Africa's development, focusing on how colonial policies shaped
the continent's economic systems, cultural dependencies, and social structures. Additionally, it
highlights the lasting legacies that continue to influence Africa's post-colonial development
trajectory.
The Scramble for Africa, which took place primarily between the 1880s and the early 20th
century, saw European powers carve up the continent into colonies with little regard for
existing ethnic, cultural, or political boundaries. This colonial enterprise had profound and
lasting implications for Africa’s economic and social development, many of which continue to
shape the continent today. Let’s break this down and then address the role of economic
growth and poverty reduction as strategies for accelerating development.
Economic Implications of Colonialism
Resource Extraction and Economic Dependency: Colonial economies were structured to
benefit the colonizing powers. African colonies were turned into suppliers of raw materials—
such as rubber, gold, diamonds, and cotton—for European industries, while finished goods
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 (649301) - DUE date
25 March 2025
Question
The scramble for Africa has been well documented. Discuss some of the
implications of colonialism for economic and social aspects of development
on the African continent. Examine the importance of achieving economic
growth and poverty reduction as strategies for accelerating development on
the African continent.
QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
Introduction
The colonial period in Africa, primarily characterized by the scramble for Africa, deeply
influenced the continent's social, economic, and political structures. The partitioning of the
continent by European powers and the establishment of exploitative colonial systems have
had long-lasting effects on African nations. This essay explores the economic and social
implications of colonialism on Africa's development, focusing on how colonial policies shaped
the continent's economic systems, cultural dependencies, and social structures. Additionally, it
highlights the lasting legacies that continue to influence Africa's post-colonial development
trajectory.
The Scramble for Africa, which took place primarily between the 1880s and the early 20th
century, saw European powers carve up the continent into colonies with little regard for
existing ethnic, cultural, or political boundaries. This colonial enterprise had profound and
lasting implications for Africa’s economic and social development, many of which continue to
shape the continent today. Let’s break this down and then address the role of economic
growth and poverty reduction as strategies for accelerating development.
Economic Implications of Colonialism
Resource Extraction and Economic Dependency: Colonial economies were structured to
benefit the colonizing powers. African colonies were turned into suppliers of raw materials—
such as rubber, gold, diamonds, and cotton—for European industries, while finished goods
