European Influence On South Africa

The explanation of why there is such a distinct difference between poor countries and wealthy countries lies in their geography and their access to guns, germs, and steel. The answer seems too simple to many people who disagree with Jared Diamond. However, it doesn’t change the fact that it all makes complete sense. The lines between successful civilizations and unsuccessful ones are all based on the resources the landscape provides. The New Guineans, Incas, and Africans never had the opportunity and resources to develop advanced technology like the Europeans and early middle easterners did. The New Guineans and Africans are immensely culturally diverse and highly adaptable people. So it wouldn’t be hard to assume that they are also among the
The Spanish soon found themselves in a war with the Zulu tribe. The Zulu was able to drive the Spanish back with a surprise attack. The second attack however, the Spanish would be ready. The Spanish circled their wagons and used the circle as a stronghold. The Spanish used their rifles to completely decimate the Zulu people and won the Battle of Blood River. The Zulus joined New Guineans and the Incas on the list of unlucky civilizations. The Europeans implemented railroads for transport across Africa. Around this time, the Europeans developed the world’s first automatic gun. The weapon was unstoppable and it overwhelmed and overcame any attackers. With the power the Europeans now possessed, they began to extract Africa’s wealth for their own profit. However, the Africans had germs on their side. The Africans traveled in small groups and in strategic areas to prevent disease. The Africans also had some immunity to the diseases present on Africa. The Europeans were placed in the same situation the Incas were in. Many of them died due to the disease. The Europeans also did not know how to farm on the more northern African land because the climate was so much different. The Africans had knowledge of tropical farming but the Europeans did not. Many of the European animals also died from disease. The Europeans’ thirst would not die as they continued to take advantage of Africa. The Belgians destroyed African villages and forced Africans to work in mines. The consequences of grouping the Africans in large towns were and continue to be catastrophic. Africans lived in small groups to prevent disease but the Belgians forced them to join together. This led to the rapid spread of disease and the destruction of the old African ways. In the present day Malaria robs Africa of both its people and its money. Africa’s disease riddled counties are a result of their geography. Their fate was also sealed long before guns, germs, and