SOUTHERN AFRICA
Impact of Geography
Southern Africa is one of the most diverse regions of the world in terms of geography. Some of the world’s most massive and amazing geographical wonders reside here. Among these are the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, the Great Rift Valley, and more. This region is also very diverse in its climates. From dry deserts, to snowy mountains, there is just about any climate in this region. Also, Southern Africa is surrounded by the Atlantic, and Indian oceans. It is an amazing region indeed.
The Zambezi is the fourth largest river in all of Africa flowing at 2,700 kilometers. Close to 9,000 feet, this river is massive, and it is connected to Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. The Zambezi has impacted the people of Southern Africa in a few ways. In modern times, the people of Southern Africa are using the Zambezi as a power source. Hydroelectric dams are built on this river to provide a majority of power in countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The Zambezi River is a very important resource to the people of this region.
Not only has a water system like the Zambezi provided power, they provide life. In Southern Africa, the Zambezi River is regarded as “the river of life.” Water systems in this region provide food, water, and other necessary resources. This is evident in how fishing is important to this region because many people fish for food and to get money. Also, they are able to grow crops with this water. This has allowed the people of this region to settle along the rivers and establish communities. The rivers of Southern Africa have been essential to these people and their way of life.
In Southern Africa, we have a country called South Africa. This is one of many countries in Africa to have rich mineral resources. Because of this, South Africa brings many people to it and has a more advanced system than most other African countries. For example, South Africa has a good economy due to the presence of the minerals in this region. However, mostly throughout history, these precious materials were the cause of suffering for many Africans. People from different parts of the world wanted these materials, and they took it from the African people. Today, this isn’t happening as much in African countries like South Africa, but it is still present.
Southern Africa’s diversity and resources really shows how geography impacts the region and its people. From the Zambezi River holding the tile as the river of life, to the precious minerals that cause corruption, geography impacts these people heavily. Many people rely on these resources to live everyday because the geography has shaped their way of life.
Legacy of imperialism
Colonization is seen as immoral and wrong in today’s world; however, it was very prominent in all parts of Africa. Southern Africa was no exception to this. Because of the valuable resources in this region, it was very attractive to the Europeans. So, Europeans were after resources and wealth in the region. Southern Africa was colonized mostly by Britain. Germany and Portugal also had a share of the land. It was not a pleasant experience for the people, but these countries left behind an influence on the countries they colonized.
South Africa is one of the examples of imperialism in Africa. This region was a definite target for imperialism because of the natural resources that are contained here. It is no surprise why Britain controlled this land, for it was the most powerful country in Europe. One effect of the legacy of imperialism was the apartheid of South Africa. From the years of colonization, the Europeans implanted the ideas of apartheid in the minds of South Africans. The ideas of cheap black labor and racial segregation from the Europeans caused the Africans to think in ways of separation.
Another effect of colonization is the reliance on the mineral wealth in Southern Africa. Europeans mostly went to Southern Africa to mine minerals. Britain and the other countries extracted these precious materials and it expanded the mining industry in South Africa. After colonization, mining for these materials is still a big part of what the Africans do. It supports their economy and provides wealth to the region. The expansion of mining was possible one of the few good things that came out of colonialism.
Not only did the Europeans plant ideas of racism and expanded mining, they also paved the way for a government system. European countries had organized governments, and they incorporated those values to the African society. They built up a government system that changed Southern Africa and other parts of Africa too. There weren’t just small villages and tribes anymore, there was so much more that was created. For example, South Africa was transformed into a country that had a government and a good economy. Cities and buildings were built in many parts of Southern Africa. In this way, Europeans made the South African region more advanced.
Imperialism is forever a scar that stains the culture and history of Southern Africa. This is not necessarily a bad thing though: imperialism has transformed and advanced the civilization in countries such as South Africa. Now, the people mine for precious minerals in Southern Africa, and they live in cities and countries that have established economies. Also, ideas of racial discrimination and slavery have been implanted into the minds of people. Would it have been different without the interference of Europe: would the Africans have advanced on their own? The effects of colonialism they have left behind have changed the way Africans live today, and that is the legacy of imperialism.
South Africa is one of the examples of imperialism in Africa. This region was a definite target for imperialism because of the natural resources that are contained here. It is no surprise why Britain controlled this land, for it was the most powerful country in Europe. One effect of the legacy of imperialism was the apartheid of South Africa. From the years of colonization, the Europeans implanted the ideas of apartheid in the minds of South Africans. The ideas of cheap black labor and racial segregation from the Europeans caused the Africans to think in ways of separation.
Another effect of colonization is the reliance on the mineral wealth in Southern Africa. Europeans mostly went to Southern Africa to mine minerals. Britain and the other countries extracted these precious materials and it expanded the mining industry in South Africa. After colonization, mining for these materials is still a big part of what the Africans do. It supports their economy and provides wealth to the region. The expansion of mining was possible one of the few good things that came out of colonialism.
Not only did the Europeans plant ideas of racism and expanded mining, they also paved the way for a government system. European countries had organized governments, and they incorporated those values to the African society. They built up a government system that changed Southern Africa and other parts of Africa too. There weren’t just small villages and tribes anymore, there was so much more that was created. For example, South Africa was transformed into a country that had a government and a good economy. Cities and buildings were built in many parts of Southern Africa. In this way, Europeans made the South African region more advanced.
Imperialism is forever a scar that stains the culture and history of Southern Africa. This is not necessarily a bad thing though: imperialism has transformed and advanced the civilization in countries such as South Africa. Now, the people mine for precious minerals in Southern Africa, and they live in cities and countries that have established economies. Also, ideas of racial discrimination and slavery have been implanted into the minds of people. Would it have been different without the interference of Europe: would the Africans have advanced on their own? The effects of colonialism they have left behind have changed the way Africans live today, and that is the legacy of imperialism.
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