Pre-Colonization
The oldest Continuous Civilization in Africa
Egypt
The most horrific aspect of the colonial period where millions were apprehended, put into bondage, and sold as "property" overseas
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
a form of nationalism where the "nation" is defined by shared ethnicity, including common ancestry, language, and culture.
Ethno-Nationalism
Arbitrary borders split ethnic groups and forced rival communities into single states, causing long-term instability.
Political
A man who's wealth is without a rival. He is know as the riches man of all time.
Mansa Musa
European powers divided Africa without African input, creating artificial borders that ignored ethnic and cultural realities.
Berlin Conference (1884–1885)
Colonial borders split ethnic groups and merged rivals, fueling civil wars and secessionist movements (e.g., Biafra in Nigeria, Sudan/South Sudan).
Artificial Borders and Ethnic Fragmentation
Traditional cultural celebrations, family structures, and clothing controlled or banned outright. Racial hierarchies implemented
Cultural
Flourished in Nubia; rich in gold and iron metallurgy; developed its own writing system.
Kingdom of Kush (c. 1069 BCE – 350 CE)
By 1914, 90% of Africa was under European control.
Motivated by resource extraction (gold, diamonds, rubber) and strategic dominance.
"Scramble for Africa"
Post-independence states saw violent ethnic conflicts tied to colonial legacies and resource competition (e.g., Angola, Sierra Leone).
Civil Wars and Coups
Traditional governance systems dismantled; European languages and religions imposed.
Social
controlled vast gold and salt resources; Timbuktu became a center of learning and an early wealthy Muslim trading nation.
Mali Empire (13th to 16th century)
The nation in control of the so called "Congo Free State", known to pillage priceless artifacts, forced labour camps, and the mutilation of innocence under King Leopold II
Belgium
Belgian colonial policies institutionalized ethnic hierarchies, contributing to genocide, repression, and civil war (Rwanda’s 1994 genocide)
Ethnic Favoritism and Genocide
Colonies were exploited for raw materials; monoculture economies made African states dependent on global markets.
Economic