47 pages • 1 hour read
Walter RodneyHow Europe Underdeveloped Africa
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1971A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney explores how European regimes exploited Africa for their own enrichment, creating barriers to economic, political, and social progress. The book discusses development in pre-colonial Africa, Europe's dominance through trade and slavery, and colonial exploitation, ultimately arguing that Europe's actions stunted African development. This analysis includes discussions of slavery, violence, racism, and systemic oppression.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Walter Rodney's How Europe Underdeveloped Africa has been praised for its thorough analysis of the detrimental impacts of colonialism on Africa’s development. Critics commend its depth and rigorous scholarship, but some argue it overly politicizes historical events. Overall, it's a seminal work that offers a critical perspective on post-colonial studies.
Who Should Read How Europe Underdeveloped Africa?
A reader who would enjoy How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney is typically interested in post-colonial studies, African history, and socio-economic analysis. Comparable works include The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon and Discourse on Colonialism by Aimé Césaire. This reader seeks comprehensive historical perspectives and critical theory insights.