Editor's Choice

What were the outcomes of European interactions with Africa, India, and the Americas?

Quick answer:

The outcomes of European interactions with Africa, India, and the Americas varied greatly. In the Americas, European colonization led to the dismantling of native cultures, forced conversions, and the establishment of European-dominated societies. In India, European influence was primarily economic, with Britain exploiting resources while maintaining some local traditions. In Africa, the "Scramble for Africa" resulted in arbitrary borders and increased tribal conflicts, with significant impacts from slavery and subjugation, though many colonial borders remain today.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

All three regions were greatly affected by interactions with Europeans. However, the outcomes were very different in each place, mostly due to the motives of the Europeans at the times they came into contact with the peoples of those places.

To start off, the Americas were transformed entirely by interactions with Europe. The Spanish, Portuguese, and English (and the French and Dutch to a lesser extent) sought to completely colonize the vast regions of the New World. In Central and South America the native populations were forcibly converted to Catholicism and enslaved in order to serve the agenda of their new European rulers. Old systems of government and culture were greatly dismantled to serve this purpose. In North America, the English sought to set up colonies that were mostly populated by Europeans, pushing the native peoples to the periphery, although contacts were maintained to facilitate trade and military alliances.

India...

Unlock
This Answer Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

was a different story. Ever since the first European trading outposts were established in India in the late 15th century, there was a great interest in exploiting the many resources of this land. In the mid 18th century, Great Britain started seizing large swaths of the subcontinent. Most of this was administered by the East India Company and was meant to enrich the coffers of its stakeholders as well as the English Crown. Later on, Britain ruled India through local governors. The Indian people were treated as subjects of the English Crown. While many European missionaries did go to India with the intent of "civilizing" its people, most local Indian customs, traditions, and institutions remained intact.

Sub-Saharan Africa did not see much contact with Europeans until the latter part of the 19th century. When this happened though, there was a mad dash to carve up the continent among European powers known as "the Scramble for Africa." By the end of the century, nearly all of Africa was ruled by different European countries. Borders were drawn up with little to no concern for tribal relations. As a result, conflicts between African peoples who were historically enemies, but now forced into the same political and administrative unit increased. Despite all of this, many of the borders that were drawn up by Europeans that defined the colonies still exist as the frontiers between African countries today.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

To me, the impact of Europeans on these areas were quite different.  The Americas came out the worst, especially in North America.  Africa was hurt badly by colonialism, but not as badly as the Americas.  India was relatively unharmed (but only relatively).

India came out pretty well because it was colonized by only a few Europeans with much of the work (even of governing) being done by Indians.  So the Indians kept their country and much self rule.

Africa was hurt badly by having so many people taken as slaves (West Africa) or by having people subjugated (South Africa).

North America's natives were essentially all killed, which is why I say the impact on them was the worst.

Approved by eNotes Editorial