Introduction
Imperialism can be defined as a policy in which a powerful nation rules over and exerts power and influence in the economic, social and political lives of the people in the weak country. The takeover and exertion of influence were done through diplomatic means and in some cases through the use of force. The scramble and partition of East Africa involved the British and the Germans take over and partitioning East Africa exerting their influence and power over them. These imperialists used various methods and rules in establishing their control in the colonies (Iweriebor 4). The entry of imperialists into East Africa had various implications on the local people, which were both positive and negative.
The imperialist entry into Africa was after the ban of the slave trade and these countries were seeking where they could source raw materials to support industrialization. Colonization of Africa had various impacts on the locals social, political and economic lives. For example, there was the introduction of the Christian religion in the African society. In addition, the imperials introduced new technologies and new crops and farming methods, which were beneficial to the local community after colonization. The introduction of the new education system also played an imperative role in improving the lives of African communities (Iweriebor 11). The imperialists also introduced new transport systems for the local community some of which are still beneficial to local communities. For example, the Kenya Uganda railways play an imperative role in the East Africa transport system.
However, there were various negative impacts such as the enslavement of the Africans in their own country. The Africans communities were forcefully removed from the lands and made to work on the same farms. This led to the erosion of local communities dignity as some were imprisoned when they disobeyed orders. The existence of the imperialists increased suffering and pain for the local communities and fight for their independence led to massive loss of life. For example, the Mau Mau of Kenya still sue the British government for loss of lives and suffering of the local communities (Talton 9).
Colonization of East Africa
The European imperialists used Christian missionaries to pave the way for the rule and reduce resistance. For example, the missionaries laid emphasis on the messages of love and brotherhood to ensure that Africans did not fight against the Europeans. There were various rules and methods used in establishing their power and influence in different parts of East Africa. There were cases where they used direct and indirect means depending on the community and the leaders of such communities. For example, the Europeans signed treaties with various African chiefs in colonizing East Africa. One major treaty was the Buganda agreement of 1900, and the Maasai treaty of 1804. There were various other treaties and agreement with communities and leaders in such communities, which the British used in establishing their rule in Uganda and Kenya. In addition, they used collaborations where they used collaborators in quelling resistance from the local communities (Okoth 372). For example, Apollo Kagawa and Semei Kakungulu were among collaborators used by the British in establishing the rule over their communities.
The colonialists also used tactical divide and rule strategies in establishing control over different communities in the same country or region. For example, the missionaries introduced different religions such as Protestant churches, which were also divided into various categories such as Baptists, Methodists among others. There were the Catholics and also Muslims, which divided the local communities across religion creating disunity. These can be termed as the indirect methods used by the colonialists in establishing their control and power over East Africa. However, there were various instances where the colonialists established direct rule over the local communities. For example, in communities inhabiting in the highlands, they were forcefully removed from their lands (Okoth 378). However, in most cases the British used indirect rule where they worked with local administrations and preexisting political institutions and leadership to establish their control.
East African Nationalism
The imperialist pressures and provocations in the late mid and late 1990’s provoked diplomatic, political and the ultimate military resistance by the Africans. The majority of the African chiefs discovered that they had been defrauded in signing agreements and treaties. The European were exerting power and authority in their lands, but the African thought the treaties and agreement were just mere diplomatic and commercial friendship. However, the interpretation of the treaties by the imperialist was that the Africans had signed their sovereignty to the colonialists (Iweriebor 6). This led to the organization of military resistance by the African leaders to resist the imperial rule and increased seizure of their lands.
For example, in Kenya the Mau Mau resistance was led by Dedan Kimathi and various other leaders. There were various other resistances from other communities such as the Mijikenda. This later led to the ultimate achievement of independence in 1963 after a long spirited fight. In Uganda, the fight against the British rule was led by Kabaka Freddie, who led the people in destroying properties belonging to pro-colonial master. However, Milton Obote was elected as the first prime minister when the country gained independence in 1962. In Tanzania formerly known as Tanganyika, the Maji Maji rebellion was the most pronounced in the country led by Kinjeletile wa Ngware he administered oaths to the fighters and conducted rituals purported to protect the fighters from the bullets (Talton 3).
Works Cited
Iweriebor, Ehiedu E. G. The Colonization of Africa. 2011. 13 May 2013
Okoth, Assa. A History of Africa: African nationalism and the de-colonisation process [1915-1995]. Volume two, Volume 2. Nairobi: East African Publishers, 2006.
http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=suMvEWjK-OcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Okoth,+Assa.+A+History+of+Africa:+African+nationalism+and+the+decolonisation+process+[1915-1995].+Volume+two,+Volume+2.&hl=en&sa=X&ei=CaOSUcr6KIXOhAft_IDQAQ&redir_esc=y
Talton, Benjamin . African Resistance to Colonial Rule. 2011. 13 May 2013
