How Europe Stole The Largest Diamond From Africa

The history of the world has seen many incidents of colonization and exploitation of resources by the powerful nations of the West, and Africa has been one of the major victims of such exploitation. One of the most significant examples of this is the story of the largest diamond ever discovered, known as the " Cullinan Diamond, " which was stolen from Africa by Europe. This research article aims to explore the history of the Cullinan Diamond and how it became a symbol of colonial exploitation and wealth for Europe.

The Cullinan Diamond was discovered in 1905 in the Premier Mine in South Africa. It weighed a massive 3, 106 carats and was the largest diamond ever discovered in the world. The diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the Premier Mine, who sold it to the Transvaal government in South Africa. The diamond was then presented as a gift to King Edward VII of England in 1907. The Cullinan Diamond was later cut into nine major stones and several smaller ones, which were sold to different wealthy individuals and institutions around the world. The largest of these stones, known as the Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa, is currently set in the British Imperial State Crown and is on display at the Tower of London.

Political Historical View

The discovery of the Cullinan Diamond came at a time when Africa was being colonized by European powers. The scramble for Africa, as it is commonly known, saw European countries carve up the African continent and exploit its resources for their own benefit. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa, in particular, led to an influx of European settlers and the establishment of mining companies that controlled the diamond industry in the country. The wealth generated by the diamond industry was not shared with the local population, who were forced to work in the mines for meager wages. .

The Cullinan Diamond became a symbol of colonial exploitation and wealth for Europe. The diamond was not only a physical representation of the wealth that could be extracted from Africa, but it also symbolized the power dynamic between Africa and Europe. The fact that the diamond was presented as a gift to the King of England highlights the subservient position of Africa in relation to Europe. The diamond was not a gift from the people of South Africa, who had discovered it and were the rightful owners, but rather a gift from the Transvaal government, which was under the control of the British Empire.

Impact:

The impact of the theft of the Cullinan Diamond on Africa cannot be overstated. The diamond represented the exploitation of Africa' s resources by Europe and the inequality that existed between the two continents. The wealth generated by the diamond industry in South Africa did not benefit the local population, but rather enriched European mining companies and their shareholders. The fact that the largest diamond ever discovered was stolen from Africa and sold to European royalty is a testament to the power dynamic that existed between Africa and Europe at the time.
Conclusion:

The story of the Cullinan Diamond is just one example of the exploitation of Africa by European powers. The diamond was not only a physical representation of the wealth that could be extracted from Africa but also a symbol of the power dynamic between Africa and Europe. The theft of the diamond had a significant impact on Africa and highlights the inequality that existed between the two continents. The story of the Cullinan Diamond serves as a reminder of the need to address the injustices of the past and work towards a more equitable future.