European colonization of Africa began in the late 19th century, as various nations sought to extend their imperial ambitions and establish economic control over the continent. This marked a sharp departure from centuries-old trading relationships between African societies and the wider world that had existed for millennia prior. Colonial powers subjugated local populations through an array of tactics; imposing arbitrary taxes, enacting policies of racial discrimination, carrying out brutal military campaigns, and disrupting traditional social structures. In some cases, this oppression resulted in mass death and suffering on a devastating scale. The legacy of European colonialism in Africa continues to reverberate today, with many former colonies still facing poverty, political instability, and inadequate access to basic services due to the detrimental effects of exploitative colonial policies.

European colonization of Africa was a process that took place in the late 19th century, during which European powers rapidly claimed land and resources across the continent. Colonization had devastating effects on African nations, leading to the displacement of millions of people and the exploitation of their labor and natural resources. The Europeans saw Africa as an untapped potential for economic gain, so they used coercive methods such as taxation and forced labor to extract value from their colonies. These actions resulted in famine, disease, and social unrest, ultimately causing widespread suffering amongst the indigenous population. Despite this, Africans resisted these oppressive forces, mobilizing both militarily and politically against the invaders. This struggle continues today, as many former colonies still suffer under neo-colonial regimes that continue to exploit their resources for profit.

This brutal subjugation of native populations had devastating consequences for many African countries and lasted until the mid-20th century, when a wave of decolonization swept across the region. Though often carried out with imperialist ambitions, this process was driven by a variety of factors including economic interests, religious beliefs, and competition between rival powers. Europe's exploitation of Africa's resources and labor played an important role in the development of its own industrial base, though it also caused immense suffering for generations of Africans. The lingering effects of colonialism can still be seen in contemporary Africa, particularly in terms of political instability, poverty, and inequality.