The Last Frontier: The White Man's War for Civilisation in Africa

"The Last Frontier: The White Man's War for Civilisation in Africa" by E. Alexander Powell is a historical examination of European imperial ambitions in Africa, primarily centered on French colonial expansion and its subsequent effects on indigenous societies. The account likely investigates themes such as the thrill of adventure, the act of territorial dominance, and ethical dilemmas arising from colonialism, offering insights into the experiences of both the colonizers and the native inhabitants. The story begins by setting the historical backdrop for French actions in Africa. Powell highlights the remarkable pace at which European powers seized land and resources, recasting the continent's immensity through exploration and colonization. The reader is introduced to regions under French control, such as Morocco and Algeria, while considering the experiences of the pioneering individuals who confronted considerable risks. Powell suggests similarities between Africa's colonization and America's westward expansion, implying the hardships resulting from such endeavors while characterizing the conflict between the European colonizers and native groups as essential to perceiving the wider effects of Western involvement in Africa.