This paper gives a summarized overview on how the British rule has affected Kenya and its society. The British Empire is known for being the biggest empire the world has ever seen. In 1922, 458 million people lived under the rule of the British crown, more than 20 % of the world's population. Originally, the British were not among the first European nations to discover our planet. Portugal and Spain acted as pioneers in the 15th and 16th century, discovering the world and building great empires that boosted their economies.
The British, along with other European countries such as France and the Netherlands, started to follow this example. During the 17th century, the British Empire established colonies in North- and Central America and Asia. Driven by commercial interests, the British also wanted to dominate the African continent, which was widely recognized as being extremely rich in resources. The first regions were mainly controlled by companies and businessmen who were widely independent of the crown.
The crown soon took over controlling the economic side of things. At first, those colonies were self-managing; the British designated African tribe leaders who controlled the procedures. But the exploitation of resources was not the only economic factor. European nations captured many indigenous people and sold them as slaves on the American continent. During the 19th century, the British started to expand inwards and discovered many opportunities for agricultural projects that could benefit the European market. Competition aroused as many nations fought for land and resources.
Table of Contents
Britain's colonial history on the African continent
Arabic and European settlement
Oppression by the colonial government
Resistance by the locals
Individuals coping with the aftermath of imperialism
Cultural heritage and society
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to examine how decades of systemic colonial oppression, forced labor, and political disenfranchisement have fundamentally altered Kenya's cultural landscape and social structure, ultimately analyzing the legacy of these experiences on the modern Kenyan identity.
- The transition from indigenous societal structures to colonial administration.
- The socio-economic impact of the Uganda Railway and forced land expropriation.
- Diverse modes of local resistance, including political advocacy and violent uprising.
- The psychological and physical aftermath of colonial violence on individuals.
- The evolution of national identity in a post-colonial, multicultural state.
Excerpt from the Book
Oppression by the colonial government
Due to its history Kenya was and still is a multicultural country made up of Asians (mainly Indians), Arabs and Bantu People. It is as rich in diversity as it is in culture. Even the indigenous population is very diverse; there are more than forty ethnic groups, the major ones being the Kikuyu (22%), Luhya (14%), Luo (13%) and the Kalenjin (13%).8 This heterogeneous society has led to a wide variety of cultures which the country is known for today.
Nevertheless, the British reign has caused great damage to the people as individuals and as a society. Although it is widely known that British interests in Kenya were based on commercial and financial interests, authorities often operated under the cloak of bringing emancipation and civilization to the indigenous people. One of the first political actions taken by the colonial government was to open doors for British settlers in 1902.9 The fruitful Highlands, traditionally the homeland of thousands of indigenous people, were exclusively “reserved for settlers of European origin”10 who renamed them “The White Highlands”. All those people that lost their homes and their land were stripped of everything they have ever worked for and left behind with absolutely nothing. Segregation between the white minority and the local population was instantaneously normalized.
Summary of Chapters
Britain's colonial history on the African continent: This chapter outlines the rise of the British Empire and the geopolitical motives, specifically the "Scramble for Africa," that led to the colonization of Kenya.
Arabic and European settlement: This section details the historical trade partnerships with Arabic and Persian merchants and the subsequent transition of control to Portuguese and later British colonial powers.
Oppression by the colonial government: The text discusses the systematic stripping of indigenous land, the implementation of forced labor for infrastructure projects, and the resulting socioeconomic marginalization of Kenyans.
Resistance by the locals: This chapter explores the rise of local political movements like the East African Association and the emergence of violent resistance through the Mau Mau against British rule.
Individuals coping with the aftermath of imperialism: This segment examines the intergenerational trauma caused by colonial rule and explores how literature acts as a medium for processing the horrors of the past.
Cultural heritage and society: The final chapter analyzes the enduring influence of colonial history on modern Kenyan society, highlighting how disparate ethnic groups have moved toward a unified national identity.
Keywords
Colonialism, British Empire, Kenya, Land Expropriation, Mau Mau, Resistance, Imperialism, Cultural Heritage, Multiculturalism, Socioeconomic Impact, Independence, Jomo Kenyatta, Ethnic Diversity, Post-colonialism, Human Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The paper explores the historical impact of British colonial rule in Kenya and how decades of oppression have shaped the nation's culture and societal development.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The core themes include colonial land grabbing, the transition from tribal independence to British administration, the struggle for civil rights, and the long-term psychological effects of imperialism.
What is the main research question of this study?
The research asks how the extensive history of oppression and torture under British colonial administration has affected and transformed Kenya's culture and society.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study employs a historical-analytical approach, utilizing secondary sources, literature reviews, and historical timelines to examine the causal links between colonial actions and current societal outcomes.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the chronology of British settlement, the mechanisms of oppression such as the "White Highlands" policy, the evolution of resistance movements, and the modern consequences for Kenyan cultural heritage.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Colonialism, Imperialism, Kenya, Mau Mau, Land Rights, Cultural Identity, and Socioeconomic Impact.
How did the construction of the "Uganda Railway" affect the local population?
The railway was used as a catalyst for westward colonial expansion, resulting in the mass displacement of local indigenous people and their forced integration into low-paid, exploitative labor roles.
What role does the novel "Dreams in a time of war" play in the author's argument?
It serves as a personal, autobiographical case study that illustrates the human cost of imperialism, providing a narrative perspective on how colonial policies fractured families and destroyed traditional ways of life.
Why did internal divisions within Kenyan society complicate the resistance movement?
Societal divisions, fueled by differing opinions on whether to pursue political negotiation or violent revolution, hindered a unified front against the British, causing friction between groups like the KAU and the Mau Mau.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2020, Britain's Colonial History on the African Continent. Influence on Kenya's Culture and Society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1027029
