Why Did Europeans Exploit Africa's Resources?

The question of why Europeans plundered Africa's natural resources is a multifaceted one, intertwined with geopolitical, economic, and social factors. This article delves into the reasons behind European colonial expansion and the exploitation of African resources, coupled with a critical examination of historical narratives and contemporary inequities.

Colonial Exploitation and European Empires

European countries sought to expand their territories by establishing colonies in Africa, primarily to exploit and export Africa's raw materials. Resources such as rubber, timber, diamonds, and gold were abundant in the continent, driving European interests to control these regions. Colonizers had no interest in the welfare of the African people but were driven by selfish motives to acquire wealth and protect trade routes.

Selfish Motives and Neglect

Colonization was characterized by a complete disregard for the interests and welfare of the colonies. The resources extracted from Africa were used to benefit European nations, often at the expense of the local populations. The colonial powers spent very little on improving the lives of African people, making colonialism a fundamentally evil practice.

Historical Context and Prejudices

Throughout history, plundering has been a common practice among various cultures. Chimps and humans alike have engaged in raiding behavior. However, the scale and context of European exploitation in Africa were unprecedented. European empires arrived with advanced technology, such as ocean-going ships, which allowed them to exploit the continent in unprecedented ways.

Global Looting: Historical Parallels

Similar to the Mongols plundering parts of Europe and the Middle East for gold and territory, or the Arabs plundering parts of Europe for resources, the motivations of Euro-African exploitation stemmed from greed and a desire for wealth. Africa is not poor; it is the wealth that has been stolen.

Reevaluating Historical Narratives

The past tense in discussions of European colonialism is inappropriate because the exploitation of Africa's resources continues to this day. Before going further, it is important to recognize that Western Europe was once called Africa in ancient times. The ancient Empire of the African Moors, for example, integrated much of Europe into a vast African empire. This historical narrative challenges the view that Europe and Africa are inherently separate entities.

Be wary of doctored maps, including ancient maps, to mislead understanding. Maps are not the borders of antiquity. For instance, prehistoric Dacia, now Romania, was first called Ethiopia, and the Peloponnese region of southern Greece was dubbed the "Little Egypt" of the ancient world. These historical misrepresentations contribute to a Eurocentric view of history, glossing over the deep and complex connections between Africa and Europe.

Slavery and the African Empire

Slavery has been linked to the African empire throughout history. For centuries, much of Europe was integrated into a vast African empire. This integration challenges the narrative that Europe and Africa are separate entities. The tradition of not fully understanding our history has cost the West dearly, as we have yet to reckon with our own past.

Evidence of African Influence

Ancient monuments such as dolmens, castros, and hillforts in Western Europe are believed to have been built by Moors, who are documented to have lived and worked in these areas. The full name 'Mouros' translates to 'dark,' a folkloric term without tribal classification. These megalithic monuments, such as Stonehenge in England and Carnac alignments in France, indicate a long history of African influence in Europe, including significant political and economic systems.

Modern-Day Exploitation

While the methods of exploitation have evolved, the underlying principles remain the same. Today, phalanxes of lawyers representing multinational oil and mineral companies intimidate African governments into accepting miserly terms. These companies employ tax dodges to siphon profits away from destitute nations. Hidden networks of multinationals, middlemen, and African potentates have fused corporate and state power, serving the enrichment of the transnational elites.

The same looting machine has modernized. Where treaties were once signed at gunpoint, imposing dispossession, today's lawyers impose similar conditions through complex legal frameworks. This practice continues to exploit African nations and deprive them of their resources and sovereignty.

Conclusion: Reevaluating historical narratives is crucial to understanding the current state of affairs. Recognizing the interconnectedness of Europe and Africa in terms of historical, political, and economic ties is essential to addressing and redressing the contemporary exploitation of African resources.