Since the fifteenth century, when explorers first began to discover Africa's wealth of natural resources, European nations conquered and colonized African territories. The imperialists exploited resources while putting little back into the country in terms of industrial development, health and educational facilities, or stable political systems. Believing their ways superior and fearing cultures and religions they did not understand, they brought missionaries to spread Christianity and rescue Africans from traditional beliefs they considered ignorance and superstition. As a result of European intervention, with Africans forced to accept Westernization, much of the native religion and culture has been lost forever. 8 pgs. 11 f/c. 4b.
