Middle School
Worksheets
Africa Day
Africa Day
Reading Comprehension for May 25
Africa Day is a celebration of independence. For many years, the people of Africa were independent. From its northern coast on the Mediterranean Sea to South Africa, the people of Africa ruled themselves for thousands of years. Beginning in the 16th century, things began to change for Africans. Their independence began to disappear.
Explorers from European countries began arriving in Africa. The British, French, Dutch, Belgians, and others began making colonies all across Africa. A colony is an area - like a town, city, or even a whole country - that's ruled by someone else. Europeans colonized much of Africa. Without being invited, Europeans took over African lands and people.
In most cases, Europeans colonized Africa in search of riches. In some cases, Europeans used African lands as a pass-through to other places. Native Africans were made to work as slaves for the Europeans. Many Africans were killed opposing European policies, and many were sold into slavery and sent to far-off countries, including America.
