Economies of cash-crop agriculture and wage labor- connections between then and now

Before Asia and Africa were enclosed within colonial societies, they were the power-house of producing items internationally for a significant period of time. They offered an amble supply of goods such as peanuts and palm oil in West Africa, cotton in Egypt, spices in Indonesia, and pepper & textiles in India. Colonial Rule was present in some areas and led to an increase in cash-crop production as well as some advantages to local farmers. Local farmers were able to own their own land, build substantial houses, as well as buy imported goods. Cacao was discovered and become extremely popular due to the fact that unlike cotton, "it was compatible with the continued production of foods and did not require so much labor time." (page 601, Ways of the World) It changed the way of the early twentieth century, and according to page 601 of Ways of the World, “a hybrid society was taking shape, partly peasant, in that most members farmed their own land with family labor…and partly capitalist, in that a minority employed wage laborers, produced chiefly for the market, and reinvested profits.” This quote states the kind of society that was evolving and how the twentieth century dealt with the changes it underwent. However, what came with the major increase of jobs/occupations was the need for more workers. There was a shortage of labor which resulted in a whirlwind of issues. “A shortage of labor fostered the employment of former slaves as dependent and exploited workers and also generated tensions between the sexes when some men married women for their labor power but refused to support them adequately.” This quote, stated on page 601 of Ways of the World, states one of the only downfalls of the economics of the cash-crop agriculture.

Along with the many changes that the early European culture experienced, some migration also took place. As stated on page 602 in Ways of the World,“Driven by the need for money, by the loss of land adequate to support their families, or sometimes by the orders of colonial authorities, millions of colonial subjects across Asia and Africa sought employment in European-owned plantations, mines, construction projects, and homes.” Large European-financed plantations began growing sugarcane, rubber, tea, tibacco, and sisal, along with multiple other items that lured thousands, including those from India, China, and Java. What came with this however were poor working conditions, disease, gender discrimination, and poor pay. The migration to European farms or plantations was more common in Africa than in Asia, due to the fact that the lose of jobs was on the increase in Africa. With the help of colonial governments, the “settler colonies” of Africa (Algeria, Kenya, Southern Rhodesia, South Africa) were able to have large land masses in their possession which has once been the home of multiple African societies. More of the land was granted to whites, who were by this point making up about 20% of the population. Mining became a primary source of wage labor for a growing amount of people, however the working conditions were despicable. Whites and blacks were beginning to experience discrimination now more than ever before. Well-educated whites were able to find business opportunities as doctors, teachers, professional specialists, and jobs of that nature. Those of the opposite skin color, however, were unable to find work so easily. Racial segregation was introduced.

To be honest, in order for me to make connections between the lifestyles of both Africans and Asians both past and present, I would need to be more educated on the topic. I feel as though my knowledge on the matter is based off of mere stereotypes, or whatever the latest I am hearing on the news regarding one of the two locations. Now that we will be learning and discussing the history of both Africa and Asia, I feel as though I should learn more about the present day aspects of both areas. The connections I can make, however, is that Asia was and is still a huge exporter of goods for around the world, and that Africa continues to experience racial segregation.