Final answer:
Imperialism negatively affected Europeans through economic exploitation, the spread of disease, and the creation of artificial borders and ethnic divisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imperialism had negative effects on Europeans in several ways:
- Economic exploitation: European colonies expropriated land and resources from the indigenous people, disrupting their traditional industries. The native labor was also exploited, either through outright slavery or through low wages paid to workers.
- Spread of disease: European visitors brought infectious diseases to the colonies, leading to widespread death and suffering among the indigenous populations. Railroads and irrigation canals built by Europeans also contributed to the spread of diseases like cholera and malaria.
- Creation of artificial borders and ethnic divisions: European powers imposed arbitrary borders and favored certain groups, leading to fragmentation of existing kingdoms, tribes, and cultures. This left a legacy of ethnic tensions and conflicts in many former colonies.