The history of Africa before the advent of colonialism was marked by a unique military structure. Unlike the concept of a standing army that is prevalent in modern states, African societies did not maintain permanent armies. Instead, they employed a system where all adults, irrespective of their status within society, would take up arms during times of conflict and return to their civilian lives once peace was restored. This approach to warfare and defense changed dramatically with the onset of colonialism in the late 19th century.
Introduction of Standing Armies in Africa
The creation of standing armies in Africa can be traced back to the 1880s and 1890s. This period saw the European powers embarking on a mission to conquer and occupy African territories. These armies were not only instrumental in establishing colonial dominance but also served as tools for maintaining control over the colonies. As time progressed, these forces were further utilized in global wars and in suppressing the movements that sought independence from colonial rule.
Post-Colonial Transition and the Role of the Military
Following the end of colonial rule, the newly formed independent states did not disband the existing armies. On the contrary, these militaries were absorbed into the governance structures of the sovereign nations. In the tumultuous period of transitioning from colonial to indigenous rule, the standing armies often played pivotal roles due to internal conflicts and power struggles. The presence of a structured military force provided a semblance of stability in some cases, but also led to military interventions in politics.
Impact on Political Sovereignty and Development
One of the most significant consequences of colonialism in Africa was the loss of sovereignty and the ability of Africans to control their own destiny. Even after achieving independence, the shadow of colonial influence lingered. Former colonial powers continued to exert indirect control over their previous colonies, leveraging economic dependencies to maintain influence.
The pattern of economic development within African colonies was largely determined by the exploitation of natural resources. This resource-based development meant that regions lacking in valuable natural assets were often overlooked and neglected. Such an approach to economic growth created disparities and left parts of the continent underdeveloped.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the introduction of standing armies during the colonial period affect the traditional societal structure in African states?
2. In what ways did the presence of standing armies influence the political landscape of post-colonial African states?
3. What long-term impacts did the resource-focused economic development during colonialism have on the overall development of the African continent?