Final answer:
The first significant European colonization of Africa occurred when the Dutch established Cape Colony in 1652, and later during the 'Scramble for Africa', where through the 1884 Berlin Conference, European powers formally divided Sub-Saharan Africa amongst themselves. Other parts of the continent were affected by the slave trade and had historical links to the wider world through existing trade networks. The colonization efforts were motivated by economic interests, prestige, and power dynamics amongst European nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Colonization in Africa
The earliest European colonization in Africa began with the Portuguese in the 15th century, targeting coastal areas due to their accessibility. Southern Africa became the first region to experience significant European migration when the Dutch East India Company established Cape Colony in 1652. South Africa was Britain's first significant colonial possession on the continent after taking control of the Dutch Cape Colony in 1806, and it was intended as a settler colony. During the so-called "Scramble for Africa" in the late 19th century, European powers, following the agreements made during the 1884 Berlin Conference, divided and colonized almost the entire continent of Sub-Saharan Africa. The colonization was driven by various factors, including access to raw materials, new markets, international prestige, and military dominance.
The Impact of European Colonization
The most affected areas by European colonization were also the regions where exploitation was most intense, such as the Belgian King Leopold II's reign in the Congo, which resulted in significant indigenous suffering. The colonial period's legacy includes ethnic tensions and economic disparities resulted from land theft, enforced labor, and preferential treatment of certain groups by the colonial governments. These historical injustices have often been traced to the conflict and violence witnessed in some African nations today.