Sierra Leone Colonization

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Position paper on the colonization of Sierra Leone

European colonization of Sierra Leone had an overall negative impact on the state of the country, both economically and culturally. The first Europeans to discover the land of Sierra Leone were the Portuguese. This contact with the two nations happened in 1462 and was known to be one of the first contacts between Europeans and West Africa. Before the Portuguese discovered this land, Sierra Leone had a number of politically independent groups. Various languages were spoken in these native groups; however, there was a similarity in their cultural beliefs. Some of these groups had a well-managed trading system. For instance, the Susu and Fulani tribes traded salt, clothes, iron, and gold frequently …show more content…
Eventually, residents were willing to participate in these events. Some leaders of the native troops sold the least useful members. Other leaders became a part of the war business, the captives Europeans gathered would be highly profitable. Some of the goods European received for the selling of their captives were rum, clothing, beads, copper, and muskets. Colonialism mostly destroyed many existing forms of development and civilization that had been created by the indigenous people. The major roles Africans played for the Europeans were labour jobs. Studies have shown that if Africa hadn’t been colonized and didn’t suffer the devastating consequences, this continent would have developed at a similar rate to Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. This is because they had an abundance of trading resources which would have ultimately resulted in them getting involved in the Industrial Revolution. Ultimately, the disadvantages outweigh any advantages of European colonization of Africa. There are various points that can be embraced with this perspective. One main position that can be embraced is that Africa would not have had such a great deal of economic downfall. Another position is that much of Africa’s cultural values and identities would not have been diminished by Eurocentric views. The individuals that would agree with the assigned source may most likely be Europeans, who have not had their identities unjustly buried by another culture, and believe the European lifestyle to be the pinnacle. The individuals that would disagree with the source are likely those who have suffered through the pain and sacrifice that colonization forced upon them, or those who realize the injustice that colonization generated. Ultimately, the assigned source should not be embraced due to the numerous damaging outcomes of European colonization of Africa, particularly on Sierra
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