Students will read the script and participate in the activity.

1. Interdependence
Background:
The Industrial Revolution changed the world. By using machines,
goods could be made much better and faster than ever before. Because
production was so fast and easy, Europe used more and more raw materials
to keep up with the production of goods. However, Europe does not have
many natural resources nearby, so Europeans started looking elsewhere for
raw materials. Naturally, after hearing about all of the material goods in
Africa, Europe set out to colonize Africa. Colonization occurred for 3
reasons:
• To obtain Africa’s raw materials and natural resources to meet the
growing demand for goods.
• Markets to sell these finished goods that were being made (selling
goods to the people of Africa).
• Expansion of wealth and power by nations.
African people worked for Europe. Colonial governments required
Africans to grow cash crops like cocoa, tea, coffee, tobacco, cotton, and
sugar for export, but because farms grew products that were not food,
Africans became dependent on trade with Europe to get food items.
Colonials also built mines for the diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, and
bauxite (among other minerals) but did not build factories in Africa to turn
raw materials into finished goods. Factories were expensive, as was training
Africans to work in them. As a result, raw materials were shipped to Europe
where they were processed and then shipped and sold all over the world.
This process made Africa even more dependent on Europe, not only to
process their natural resources, but also in order to buy basic items for
living. Anything that wasn’t naturally occurring (silverware, clothing,
electronics, food) was bought through the colonial powers. All profits from
what was extracted from Africa were invested in Europe, leaving Africans
with little to show for years of tough work. African and European
economies were interdependent.
Colonization falls apart after World War II (ending 1945). African
nations are becoming free to govern themselves and manage their own
economies, but the problems of interdependence remain long after
Europeans leave African soil:
• Africans do not grow their own food but instead grow cash crops.

2. • Africa has lots of natural resources but no means of making anything
with them. Factories are expensive, and there is no money to spare.
Through years of working for Europeans, Africans earned very little
doing labor work, were taxed heavily, and were forced to pay high
prices for basic goods (prices set by Europeans). Also, shipping
goods is another expense. Whether by boat or train, it costs money
that is not there.
It is here, with Africa at a loss, that our scene picks up…
(Turn to the script)
Follow-up Summary
1) The ball represents money and resources. Why does it always go to
Europe first?
EUROPE HAS EVERYTHING THAT AFRICA DOESN’T.
2) Why is it a problem that resources and money are going to Europe?
PROFITS GO TO EUROPE AND ARE NOT INVESTED IN AFRICA.
3) According to the scene, what are two barriers that Africa faces when
trying to manufacture and export their own goods?
SHIPPING AND BANKING
4) According to the Introduction on this sheet, even if Africans had
factories, why would there still be problems operating them?
THEY WERE NEVER TRAINED.
5) According to the Introduction on this sheet, what are the three
reasons for the colonization of Africa?
EXPAND WEALTH + POWER, AFRICAN RESOURCES, AND NEW
MARKETS.

3. Script
Setting: The continent of Africa has just finished gaining Independence from
European countries and is ready for self-governing.
(Africa enters)
Africa- I am the continent of Africa. I am pleased to be free of European colonial
powers and am prepared to begin establishing my own governments and economies. I
am full of raw materials and natural resources. However, I am hungry and tired (hold
stomach like it hurts). Since I do not produce my own food, I need to trade for food and
chairs.
(Europe stands up)
Europe (in a British accent) – Hello there, sport. Jolly good. I am Europe. I have many
factories to turn your resources into finished goods. Trade me your materials and I will
trade you back food and chairs.
(Ball thrown to Europe, then back to Africa)
Africa- Mmmm… Food tastes good. This chair is cozy. But I don’t like you, Europe.
You colonized me and made me work hard. I want to make my own finished goods.
Europe- (British accent) Terribly sorry about that, chap, but you don’t have any
factories. Trade me your goods and we’ll sell them around the world.
(Ball to Europe, then to USA, then back to Europe, then back to Africa)
Africa- Europe, why do you get all the money from trade? I want factories to make my
own goods. I will need a loan.
(Enter Bank)
Bank- Hold up there, kiddo. I am the Fancy-Pants Bank Company. I hear you want to
make your own goods by building your own factories. In order to get a loan, you need
money and experience running factories. Do ya’ll have any?
Africa- No I don’t. Europe has never trained me to run a factory. We have worked hard
and dedicated for years, but we have only worked as laborers.
Bank- Well sorry, slugger, but you cannot have a loan without money or experience.
No loan for you!
(Exit Bank, laughing)

4. Africa- Woe is me, the continent of Africa. What will I do?
Europe (British Accent)- Pardon me, Africa, I overheard that you are not able to build
factories. You should trade those goods with Europe before the price goes down so we
can refine them.
(Ball to Europe, back to Africa. Enter USA)
USA- Greetings friends. I am the President of the United States. I recently tried some of
your African cocoa while watching a baseball game and eating an apple pie and I love it.
Can’t get enough of it, really. How would you, Africa, like to trade directly with me?
Africa- Wonderful. This is wonderful. (Hold up arms in happiness) Let me scoop some
up and deliver you some.
(Enter Shipping)
Shipping- Whoa whoa, holds up there, Skippy. I am the Shipping Industry, but my
friends call me Lance. If you want to trade with America, you will need boats to
transport your goods. How much can you pay for me to transport your goods?
Africa- I have no money for factories or for shipping.
Shipping- Well, then, you need to find another way across that there ocean (point across
the room).
Europe (British accent)- If I could just comment for a moment. Africa, it seems you are
having trouble shipping your goods. I have plenty of boats, and since we have been
doing business for so long, how about I give you the best-buddy friend discount to ship
and in return I take some of your profits.
Africa- Fiddlesticks. I have no choice.
(Ball to Europe)
Europe- Ha ha! Jolly good! This benefits me, while Africa never gets ahead.
(Ball to USA)
End of Scene.