Westernization and European Influences on Various Cultures
Angela Lancaster
AIU Online
HUMA215-1205B-19

Abstract

We are asked to analyze and interpret a quotation about the confrontation of Western civilization with other people whose values were often dramatically opposed to the West’s. We are asked to discuss what would the loss of centeredness of culture have meant for a given cultural group. To select from the non-western cultural groups and research the impact of Western or European cultures on the group chosen. Finally we are asked to give an opinion on how non-western culture was prior to the late nineteenth century and how did it change as a result of European expansion.

There are several cultures that were affected by the westernization and the colonization of the Europeans. A few of these cultures are the Native Americans, Africans, Chinese, and Japanese. Each of these different cultures had drawn in different ideals, some good, and some bad. Asia did not have as many problems with westernization as the Native Americans and the Africans. The entire culture of the Native Americans and Africans were destroyed from European expansion and colonization, whereas the Chinese and Japanese retained much of their heritage by remaining out of touch with the western world. (Sayre, 2012) The Native Americans had a civilization that was basic and traditional, and it remained that way for several hundred if not thousands of years. They lived off of the land and were self-sufficient. For the most part they were very simple and a non-violent people. After the Europeans crossed over and started to claim colonies and expanded their empire, the Native Americans were forced to move from their native land. This caused many of these Native Americans to lose most, if not all of their belongings. Their traditional practices, social systems, and leadership