THE EUROPEANS AND COLONIALISM AS HARBINGERS OF LIGHT?

EZEDINACHI, IFEOMA E. and ODOH, IMMANUEL E. (2017) THE EUROPEANS AND COLONIALISM AS HARBINGERS OF LIGHT? Renaissance University Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 3 (1). pp. 199-213.

[img] Text
PAPER ON COLONIALISM.pdf

Download (270kB)

Abstract

The fact that colonialism proved as ephemeral as any other institution created and nurtured by coercion is not in dispute. Rather, what has remained contentious is the argument by two distinct schools of thought. One maintaining that colonialism was a blessing to Africa while the other regards it as something close to a curse if not completely a curse. However, those in favor of colonialism have been mostly Eurocentric writers while those against are the scholars who are unrepentantly Afro Centric in nature. Writers like P.C Lloyd, Gann and Duignam have continuously maintained that colonialism was a blessing to Africa. In their work, they maintained that the difference between the conditions of an African society at the end of the Second World War was staggering. The colonial powers provided the infrastructure on which progress in the independence period has depended, a fairly efficient administrative machine reaching down to villages in the most remote areas.1 On the other hand, the black Guyanese historian, Walter Rodney regards colonialism as exploitative, concluding that it was a onearmed bandit.3 Also according to M.H.Y Kaniki, Adiele Afigbo and Ali Mazuri, the positive effect of colonialism were by default. Originally, they were meant only to benefit the colonialist. They regarded these positive effects as unintended consequences.2 Such are the two main opposing assessment of colonialism in Africa. So which line do we toe? And why have questions persisted on the legacies of colonialism in Africa? The study will use comparative analysis and will adopt thematic principles to distill information.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User: mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited: 27 Sep 2019 15:53
Last Modified: 27 Sep 2019 15:53
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/2166

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item