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Examine the impact of colonialism on the economy of a developing country that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2011
Question C
Examine the impact of colonialism on the economy of a developing country that you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine the impact of colonialism on the economy of a developing country that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2011
Step 1
Identify the Impact of Colonialism on the Economy
Answer
Colonialism significantly impacted the economy of many developing countries. For this examination, I will focus on India as the developing economy. One major impact of colonialism on India's economy is the exploitation of resources. The British colonial rule led to the extraction of raw materials from India to benefit British industries, undermining local economic growth.
Step 2
Discuss Resource Exploitation and Economic Dependency
Answer
The extraction of resources created a dependency on British goods and industries, inhibiting the development of local enterprises. This structural imbalance resulted in a reliance on imported finished products, weakening India's economic resilience post-independence.
Step 3
Analyze Infrastructure Development
Answer
Furthermore, while the British did develop infrastructure such as railways and roads, these were primarily designed to facilitate resource extraction rather than to promote local economic development. This skewed infrastructure led to uneven development and further entrenched economic disparities in the post-colonial period.
Step 4
Examine Social Disparities and Economic Inequality
Answer
Colonial policies also exacerbated social disparities. The economic benefits of colonialism were disproportionately reaped by the British and local elites, leading to significant income inequality that persisted even after independence. This inequality has continued to hinder equitable economic development in India.
Step 5
Evaluate Long-term Economic Consequences
Answer
In conclusion, the long-term consequences of colonialism on India's economy include resource exploitation, economic dependency, skewed infrastructure development, and entrenched social disparities. Each of these factors has had lasting effects, influencing India's economic policies and challenges in the contemporary era.