African Resistance to European Imperialism: The Example of Samori Toure

Authors

  • O. C. Usiemure

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2705/isjassr.v1i2.9

Abstract

This paper discusses with the example of Samori Toure, the resistance of Africa to European Imperialism.
Some authorities have argued that Africans invited colonialism. This study however reveals that, Africans
were neither docile in the face of European encroachment, nor did they invite imperialism. It examines the
factors that shaped Samori’s resistance, pattern of the resistance and aftermath of the resistance
movement. The research establishes that, Samori Toure was an inspiring political and military leader,
whose legacy though was controversial, remains a remarkable example of pragmatic resistance. He
moved his empire and used scorched earth policy; he engaged in diplomacy, repaired and manufactured
firearms. The thematic, chronological methods and secondary sources are employed in the gathering and
presentation of data. The paper concludes that in the history of African resistance to European invasion,
the fighting empire of Samori Toure is outstanding and that if the French had not invaded his empire,
obviously, Samori possessed the organisational genius and adequate control of his people to have built
an empire comparable to any twentieth century state.
Keywords: Samori,Toure,imperialism,Mandika,colonolialism,resistance

Published

2019-05-30

How to Cite

Usiemure Oghenerioborue, C. (2019). African Resistance to European Imperialism: The Example of Samori Toure. International Scholar Journal of Arts and Social Science Research, 2(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.2705/isjassr.v1i2.9

Issue

Section

Articles
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