The, Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe - 1244 Words

Imperialistic policy has drastically affected the development of nearly every nation on the planet. Although imperialism greatly benefits European nations, it damages the infrastructure of the nations under it. Entire continents such as Africa were forced into subservience and plundered for their resources. Many tribe’s had their land taken from them, and their culture and customs were altered by Christian missionaries. The atrocities committed against the Igbo are a perfect example of the trials the African people faced. For the Igbo, life before the Europeans was much better. The Igbo ruled themselves and were successful farmers. However, With the arrival of the Europeans came unnecessary bloodshed, and the destruction of the Igbo†¦show more content†¦Without the ability to rule themselves, the white men completely changed the structure of the Igbos government. The Igbos judicial system was thrown out and replaced with one ruled by the white men. In the Igbos old co urt system, when there was a dispute to be settled, you would take it to the egwugwu and it would be discussed publicly. Whereas in the European court system set up in Umuofia, is ruled by one man. The white man’s judicial system is also much less fair. When Okonkwo accidentally killed the young boy, he was only banished by the elders to a sister clan. When Aneto committed a similar crime under the European court system, â€Å"Aneto was taken to Umuru and hanged† (Achebe 177). Aneto may have murdered a man, but under Igbo customs if he flees to another land, then he is to be spared. Even though Aneto did these things the white men did not pay any attention to Igbo customs and took the matter into their own hands. The extent to which the political infrastructure of the Igbo was damaged, was so great that the tribe ended up having to conform to European ways in order to survive. The Igbos economic structure was greatly altered after the Europeans arrived, leading to majo r economic disarray in Umuofia. The first thing the Europeans did to the Igbos economy was direct all trade routes away from Mecca and Medina, and allow only trade with European nations. The diversion of traditional