Political education is increasingly interested in how Europe spread theory of colonial rule and justifying missionary and exploratory voyages from assumed conceit over centuries. Under global influences, pan-African movements and a decolonization current changed the relationship with Europe. In the 20th century, new forms of unequal power relations emerged. Regions and societies are still confronted with the political, economic and social consequences of colonial rule. Outdated patterns of thinking about the image of African history and the present still have an effect and cause Africa to play a minor role in world politics and the global economy. Sketchily, the early modern period, foundations of colonial thinking, colonial rule, transitional forms, dissolution of colonial empires, post-colonial states and African states are discussed.