Friday, March 16, 2012

[[ Bigger Picture ]] - Lasting Effects

Although many places experienced harsh treatments under subjugating rule, there were lasting benefits from the antibiosis for the defeated country. British occupied areas generally gained economical and educational advantages. In order to control and facilitate trade in the three territories of Ghana, the Colony, Asante, and the Northern Territories otherwise known as the Gold Coast, the Europeans introduced railroads, postal services, and telecommunication. The natives were able to plant new cash crops, such as cacao, which later served as the foundation in the nation’s economy. Similarly, in Burma, the British built schools and universities taught both English and Burmese. Not only did they promote education, the British introduced western and democratic ideas to the younger generations through western teachings. Also, the government encouraged Christian missionaries to give financial assistance to the poor. Instead of horse and cow driven carts, modern technology created a map of railways, trains, steamboats in Burma and India as well. With a European demand for tropical products and the automotive industry, Indonesia experienced exponential growth in both the economy and the population. However, many other countries such as Mexico, which lost almost all traces of its Aztec and Mayan origins from the 300 year long Spanish conquest, suffer from irrevocable detriments. In Mexico, the very fabric of the language was torn apart to be replaced by Spanish, the language of the conquistadors. When the Spaniards enforced Catholicism in Colombia, the majority religion in Spain, they destroyed the previous plethora of religious beliefs. Overall, the conquests left a lasting trail of both good and bad changes that altered the invaded countries in economy, education, culture, and religion. 

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