Write a 4-5 page essay, addressing the following two aspects:
(1) On the basis of class material, discuss two major similarities between the legacies of British colonization of Ireland and European colonization of Rwanda (approximately 3 pages). Provide specific examples from the course material, and cite every sentence where you reference a source (reading, documentary or video lecture).
(2) Some claim that colonization had “positive aspects,” or that former king Leopold II of Belgium was not responsible for atrocities, “because he never went to Congo” (see https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53017188). The latter BBC article starts with the following:
Inside the palatial walls of Belgium’s Africa Museum stand statues of Leopold II – each one a monument to the king whose rule killed as many as 10 million Africans. Standing close by, one visitor said, “I didn’t know anything about Leopold II…”
Many Europeans are not taught about the atrocities committed by colonizers. Do you believe that more knowledge about the effects of colonization would have positive outcomes for the relations between former colonizers and the countries who were formerly colonized? Justify your answer (approximately 1 page).
