Case Studies PDF

Trends in the Colonisation process Settler or Exploitative – often linked to the treatment shown to locals by colonialists Assimilation or Indirect Rule – often linked to the European power's preference, as well as pre-existing hierarchies Case Study 1: Congo Chronology, Context, and Conse...

Trends in the Colonisation process Settler or Exploitative – often linked to the treatment shown to locals by colonialists Assimilation or Indirect Rule – often linked to the European power's preference, as well as pre-existing hierarchies Case Study 1: Congo Chronology, Context, and Consequences Case Study: Congo Whilst much of the African coastline had been visited and was known to European traders, what was inland was generally unknown. Traders had established trading factories (warehouses) and forts along Africa's coasts throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th century but had rarely ventured further inland. 1871 an American journalist, Henry Stanley, went searching for a British explorer, Dr David Livingstone. He found him in a small town called Ujiji, in modern day Tanzania. After this legendary meeting, Stanley continued travelling along the Congo river and eventually returned to Europe. From 1874-1877, Stanley travelled across central Africa, including in modern day Congo. With his research, and the associated fame, Stanley started to work for King Leopold II of Belgium from 1879 onwards. At the same time, an Italian-French explorer, working for France, by the name of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza also travelled to the Congo area. Leopold made clear to Stanley that this land should be as large as possible, and that this land could be taken or bought as necessary. Leopold personally funded Stanley and his land acquisitions, as well as the soldiers, administrators, and other workers sent from Europe in his name. From 1881, having established a foothold of land along the Congo rive, including a trading outpost called Leopoldville, Stanley started to expand the territory to the East and South. Incidentally, just across the river from Leopoldville, another town was established in the North, Brazzaville. As Stanley expanded Leopold's lands, more and more tribes were brought within the administration of Leopold's new territory. From 1885, this territory would be called the Congo Free State and Leopold was its absolute monarch. In turn, an Administrator-General was in charge of running the colony and ensuring, among other things, that rubber production was highly profitable. Whilst committing atrocities, Leopold pretended to be leading a philanthropic and humanitarian mission in the Congo Free State. Whilst Leopold was criticised for this as early as 1890, it would not be until 1908 that the Belgian government would annex the Congo Free State as a colony, and put an end to these practices. Case Study 2: India Chronology, Context, and Consequences  Case Study: India India has been exposed to both Settler and Exploitation colonisation. Despite there being a relatively low number of Britons and other Europeans in India, the nature of the relationship between Europeans and natives was often one of relative equals. There are however some instances of clear exploitation of resources and people in India, principally whilst the East India Company was in charge. This is particularly clear in the the way the EIC managed the production and exportation of opium. Initially, the EIC maintains a trading relationship with local rulers. From 1757, after the Battle of Plassey, the EIC positioned Mir Jafar as ruler of India, subservient to the Company. It invades surrounding areas, but still maintains relationships with some local rulers. Over the course of the late 18th century and early 19th century, the EIC continues to expand its territorial possessions. By the mid 19th century, the EIC had either direct rule, or indirect rule over the whole Indian subcontinent. In 1858, following the mutinies and rebellion, the British government took charge of the governance of the region, replacing the EIC, and installing a viceroy or governor general to manage day to day affairs in India. This period is often referred to as the British Raj.