"Mr. Brown's successor was the Reverend James Smith . . . He openly condemned Mr. Brown's policy of compromise and accommodation. Mr. Smith was greatly distressed by the ignorance which many of his flock showed even in such things as the Trinity and the Sacraments" (Achebe 184).
Part 1: According to the text(s), what effect did imperialism have on people who lived through it?
Like most imperialists, Mr. Smith was focused on spreading his ideas and abolishing the ways of the indigenous people. He believed he was superior and that he knew best, so he tried to force his ways onto the others. Unlike Mr. Brown, he was very over-zealous and believed that even the converts were not devoted to their religions enough. He refused to see the views of the other side and believed only his way was right. This imperialism affected the people who lived through it because another culture and belief system was being forced onto them. Their beliefs were being challenged and they had to try to defend them. This negatively impacted their lives because they had to put time and effort into defending themselves and proving their beliefs were valid. Also, the clans were being divided because some found comfort in the new religion, so unity was being destroyed and the tribes were on the brink of war.
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