Cole Dubas
Block 1
Mrs. Bockelman
World History
2/23/19
Persuasive Essay
What was European colonization, and why did it take place? In order to answer these important questions, we should first understand the date of which this took place. It was from the 1400s-1600s. European colonization was the establishment of European colonies. This included the exchange of cultural beliefs, new technology, and modern medicine. Places such as Australia, China, India, etcetera; have all been colonized by Europe and gained all of the things I mentioned above for being colonized. I believe European colonization was a good thing for everyone, and the gathering of ideas for both the colonials and Europe.
Furthermore on the topic of cultural beliefs, countries such as Australia had shown light on their beliefs and we are able to hear all about them. When Europe first colonized Australia, they were able to see “Dreamtime” which was the Australian natives’ religion where they performed rituals and sang songs to praise the spirits who created their land. This not only occurred in Australia, but India as well. In India, many religious were taught and practiced such as; Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Religion in India is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Religious diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by the law and custom. This means that freedom of religion is a fundamental right. Lastly, in Japan, they were open to new religions and they believed in whatever would benefit them. Their main religions were Shinto and Buddhism. These two religions have co-existed there since the 6th century.
Throughout all of the countries colonized by Europe, they were so open to understanding new religious practices that they haven’t seen before. I could only wish to be there in those places to see what a miraculous sight it would be when the Australian natives celebrated their “Dreamtime” or the Indians worshipping in temples. Although, I can look at these practices as they still are being practiced to this day. Had Europe not colonized these places, we wouldn’t have been able to see or understand their beliefs to the extent which we can today. In fact, Europe exchanged their beliefs with the countries they colonized, Catholicism. Spreading God’s message to those who are able to hear it.
Aside from religion, there were many other reasons why European colonization was beneficial, one of which was new medicine. Having medical advancements is crucial to cure the exposure to new diseases. When Europe Colonized places, like South America for example, the plague wouldn’t have been their worst disease to conquer. Had Europe not first colonized South America, then some other country may have brought new diseases with them that they still couldn’t cure. This way, Europe helped prepare South America for the battle of new diseases that were bound to reside in their homeland. Places such as China and India would have also suffered the same fate of being exposed to new diseases, and they did. They just happened to find new medicine to cure the new diseases. Smallpox was a widespread virus that killed many, but when working together on new advancements, it proved non existent anymore. Sometimes you can only fail to succeed, and I believe the lives lost of new diseases were not in vain as we now have a multitude of cures for so many diseases.
Lastly, I want to talk about new technology and the distribution of goods. The colonization in places like China resulted in an exceeding amount of money. China had many goods to offer such as porcelain, tea and especially silk. This trading system in China was called the “Silk Road”, and included many other goods than silk such as; salt, sugar and many spices.
This had great influence over Europe, as they gained just as much as they gave which was a great future trading partner, many good relationships, and the share of new ideas and inventions. China wasn’t the only one however, in fact Southeast Asia provided many goods to the Europeans. This resulted in their ability to understand new trading techniques. By colonizing Southeast Asia, Europe gave them an understanding that they could distribute not only on land but on the ocean as well. Just like China, India also had many spices to offer which would prove them worthy as a great trading partner in the future as well. This would benefit India as they would be given new advancements in so much more than trading.
To show an understanding of why colonization would have been for the worse; some natives were enslaved and shown that the Europeans were “superior”, some lost their beliefs, and new diseases killed many. Diseases, such as smallpox, brought just as much devastation as death. The Europeans were the result in the transfer of new diseases to their newly colonized countries. Some countries included Southeast Asia, South America, and India. Just as the Australian natives’ “Dreamtime”, Africa had similar beliefs that accustomed them. Most African natives were hunters and gatherers, and maintained the basics of survival. Europe thought that they needed to be brought into the present days of survival, and deserved to be traded as slaves. They were servants to Europe not only by force, but by freedom of choice as well. By forcing the Africans to starvation and no one to help, they had nothing left to do but to ask the newcomers for help, which meant being under their command.

In conclusion, I still believe European colonization was for the best. For the exchange in beliefs, new medicine, new technology, and the exchange of all goods including spices. Europe ensured the best for the advancements of the civilizations they colonized, and most countries are still their partners today in trading and as a relationship. Even through the tough times of diseases such as smallpox, Europe helped them. As I said before, you can’t succeed without failure.

Works Cited
a. “African Societies and the Beginning of the Atlantic Slave Trade.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/precontact-and-early-colonial-era/before-contact/a/african-societies-and-the-beginning-of-the-atlantic-slave-trade.
b. Class presentations
c. “Colonialism and Imperialism, 1450–1950 Colonialism and Imperialism.” EGO | Europäische Geschichte Online, ieg-ego.eu/en/threads/backgrounds/colonialism-and-imperialism.