Resistance to Colonial Intrusion: Causes and Examples

Causes of Resistance

Political Authority and Enlightenment Thought:
- European powers introduced Western-style education, influencing some colonized people with Enlightenment ideas like popular sovereignty and the social contract.
- These ideas led to questions about the legitimacy of Imperial power, even though not all resistance required Western education to question foreign domination.
Nationalism:
- Imposed will, language, and culture by imperial powers induced nationalism among colonized peoples, motivating them to resist colonization and strive for their own state.

Yaa Asantewaa's War in West Africa:
- Attempt by Great Britain to conquer the Asante Kingdom for its gold deposits.
- The conflict, also known as the War of the Golden Stool, centered around the Asante's cultural unity symbolized by a golden stool.
- Led by Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa, the Asante resisted British intrusion with armed violence.
- Despite fierce resistance, the British's superior weaponry eventually led to their victory and the claim over Asante territory.

Cherokee Nation:
- Formed at the edge of United States territory after US independence and territorial expansion.
- Cherokee Nation established a semi-autonomous government and judicial system in Oklahoma.
- Despite efforts to assimilate, the US government's westward expansion and the Indian Removal Act led to the marginalization of Cherokee authorities.

Kosa Cattle Killing Movement in Southern Africa:
- A response to British colonial aggression and encroachment on Kosa territory.
- Inspired by a religious prophecy, the Kosa slaughtered their cattle, hoping for new, healthy cattle and the expulsion of European intruders.
- The result was a tragic self-inflicted starvation, making it easier for the British to claim their territory.