Imperialism refers to the action of a nation to extend its power and dominion by direct acquisition of occupied (inhabited) territory, or by gaining economic or political control of other areas through the use of power. Imperialism may also involve the exploitation of such territories in a way similar to colonialism (Pagden, 2000). European imperialism affected the continents of Africa and Asia in a broad range of ways, both positively and negatively.
On the positive side, European imperialism provided political unity in most African and Asian countries that had not achieved any level of unity in their history. Additionally, European imperialism led to the introduction of several Western ideas in both Africa and Asia, such as democracy, nationalism, and constitutionalism (Pagden, 2000). Moreover, European imperialists introduced efficient administrative systems in most African and Asian countries. European imperialism also led to the development of industries in both Africa and Asia (Pagden, 2000). The different imperialist powers established industries in their respective African and Asian colonies with the aim of making profits, thereby paving the way for the industrialization of such colonies. The European imperialist powers also offered various social services to local people in both Africa and Asia in the form of education and healthcare, thereby enlightening the Asian and African people (Pagden, 2000).
On the negative side, European imperialism led to the rise of slavery in Africa and some parts of Asia, and the imperialist powers began trading on slaves as part of their belongings. The imperialist powers also exploited their colonies in both Asia and Africa by importing various raw materials at the cheapest rates possible and exporting the final products at very costly rates (Pagden, 2000). Such a policy of systematic exploitation of resources led to the drainage of Asian and African wealth, thereby greatly contributing to poverty, backwardness, and starvation in African and Asia (Pagden, 2000). European imperialism also led to the erosion of Asian and African cultures through the introduction of Western cultures, such as the introduction of Christianity in several African and Asian countries (Pagden, 2000).
In overall, European imperialism led to both positive and adverse impacts on the continents of Africa and Asia. Therefore, while the entry of European imperialist powers into both African and Asia led to the political, social, and economic advancement of most countries in African and Asia, it also contributed significantly to the persistent political, social, and economic problems experienced by most Asian and African countries today.
References
Pagden, A. (2000). Stoicism, Cosmopolitanism, and the Legacy of European Imperialism. Constellations, 7(1), 3-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8675.00167
