What did Walter Rodney emphasize in his book "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" in Chapter One?

In Chapter One of "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," Walter Rodney emphasized the historical context of Africa before European colonization, highlighting the advanced civilizations, trade networks, and cultural achievements that existed on the continent prior to European intervention. He argued that Africa was not a "dark continent" as it is often portrayed, but rather a diverse and dynamic region with its own systems of governance, economy, and social organization. Rodney also emphasized the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on Africa, which he argued disrupted African societies and economies, leading to the underdevelopment of the continent. Overall, Rodney's main emphasis in Chapter One was to challenge the Eurocentric narrative of African history and to highlight the agency and resilience of African peoples in the face of colonialism and exploitation.

Development of Racism