Compare and contrast the legacies of colonialism in Africa and Asia.

Colonialism has undoubtedly left considerable legacies in Africa and India. Between 1875 and 1914, European countries established colonies in almost all of the African continent. Whereas in India, Britain had reigned supreme since Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858, when the Crown assumed responsibility for the Raj. Both Africa and India were subjected to European rule through colonialism, however the first measurable contrast is that Africa is a continent, whilst India is a subcontinent. This means the experiences of colonialism are different, especially as countries within Africa were colonised by different European powers.  For the purpose of this essay, colonialism in Africa will mainly focus on British rule. That being said, some comparisons can be made in the legacies of colonialism in both areas of the world. Frantz Fanon’s Wretched of the Earth, and Edward Said’s Orientalism highlight the psychological impact of colonialism on the colonised, which can be applied to both Africa and India. Furthermore, Africa and India both experienced a similar redefining of borders, particularly under British rule in Nigeria, and in India. However, the legacies of colonialism in Africa and India contrast in that countries such as Nigeria underwent an amalgamation of provinces into a country, whereas India infamously suffered through Partition, where the countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh were born. The legacies of colonialism also intertwine between India and Africa, as many Indians settled in Africa during the colonial period.

Answered by Alia N. History tutor

18608 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

How accurate is it to say that it was the interest taken by James VI that accounts for the extent of witchcraft persecutions in Scotland in the years 1590-97?


'The success of the Conservatives in the period 1886-1905 was the result of the Liberals' failures.' Assess the validity of this view.


“Eisenhower’s New Look policy marked a fundamental shift in Cold War policy away from Truman’s approach”- assess the validity of this statement.


How do you structure an essay?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences