Travel from England to Africa in 1920 was a long and difficult undertaking. Travellers had to take several connecting ships across the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Red Seas to get there. Nowadays, travel to Africa can be completed in only hours by taking a direct flight. In the first decades of the 20th century, however, the only way to get from England to Africa was to prepare for a long and arduous voyage on public transportation.
For those embarking from England, the journey typically began on a steamer from one of the many English ports. Each steamer would offer a particular route, some travelling to Morocco in the north, others to South Africa in the south. Steamships of the period moved at a slow rate of 10 knots (11.5 miles per hour). Voyages to Africa from England typically lasted between 16 and 25 days, depending on the final destination. Passengers often faced crowded and suffocating living conditions below deck as well as storms and high seas.
Despite the tough journey, many people made the journey for various reasons. Business owners needing to acquire resources from Africa would travel for trade. Others went to missionary societies so that they could bring Christianity to Africa. Educators sailed in search of new anthropological knowledge, and some went in search of adventure and a new life in a far-away continent.
The experience of travelling to Africa in 1920 was a completely different one when compared to what is experienced now. Today, a traveller can plan their trip in advance, with all the major details about the route and the time frame being known. By the early 20th century, passengers did not have access to the same amenities, both in terms of comfort and information. In addition, there was the risk of being attacked by pirates, especially in the Red Sea. The journey could also be quite costly, typically around £100 for a single-passenger ticket, and almost £300 for a return.
For many people in the early twentieth century, the journey from England to Africa was a difficult and yet exciting one. The sentiment of embarking on a long and challenging voyage was coupled with the enthusiasm of discovering a new continent and a new culture. Indeed, the journey by ship during this era helped shape and define the history of Africa as we know it today. In less than a century, travelling to Africa has gone from being an epic adventure to a relatively commonplace event.
The Emergence of Aviation
The emergence of aviation in the 1920s and 1930’s revolutionized air travel as we know it today. Although flights from England to Africa did not begin until 1932, the industry was greatly expanding during this period. With the introduction of airplanes, flying from England to Africa became a much more efficient process. Aircraft could travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, drastically reducing the time it took to reach a destination. This increased speed not only made it easier to traverse the distances between countries, but also diminished the risks associated with long sea voyages—responses to global conflict had to be much faster.
However, the airline industry at the time was costly, and air travel was a luxury that only the affluent could afford. Therefore, steamer vessels and other sea transportation options remained popular options, especially for those travelling across Africa.
The Modern Traveling Experience
Today, travelling to Africa is a much less daunting experience compared to when it was in 1920. Numerous direct flights are available from various cities in Europe and North America to many African countries, with prices varying by airline and city. Fittingly, the fastest way to traverse the continents is now by air carriers, and the whole process can take less than a day. Furthermore, large-scale interstate roads connect different cities, and the African network of trains, also called the Pan-African Railroad, allows for efficient and direct access to different regions.
Safety has also improved significantly: despite minor occurrences of piracy, individual security is much greater in 2020 than it was in 1920. Overall, the technological advances experienced in the past century have helped to make the journey to and from Africa a much more comfortable one.
The Impact of Travel on African Countries
The ease of travelling to and from Africa in the modern age has had a profound effect on the well-being of African countries. The introduction of air transportation and other efficient systems has opened up the continent to the rest of the world. Tourists, entrepreneurs, and investors have been able to make efficient trips over long distances to explore the continent’s rich cultural diversity. Businesses such as Air France, KLM, and Delta Airlines, for example, provide direct access to African cities, connecting them to the world.
Moreover, the presence of international companies has aided development efforts, creating jobs, boosting professional opportunities, and inspiring growth. Unfortunately, with more ease of access, the potential for exploitation of people and the environment is greater. In spite of this, modern air travel has undoubtedly been a positive force for Africa.
Changing Travel Methods
The dynamic of travel to and from Africa has changed significantly over the past century. From the arduous and dangerous sea voyages of 1920 to the fast and luxurious air travel of today, the progress made in transportation has been incredible. Travel has become faster, safer, and more reliable, and has allowed for the economic and educational exploration of the African continent.
Of course, air travel is not the sole method of transportation in the modern era. As the technology in the transportation sector continues to evolve, many of these advances may soon become obsolete. For now, though, air travel is the most convenient and efficient way to reach the distant continent.
The Risk of Modernization
While the increased efficiency in air travel is certainly positive, the increasing globalization of Africa also carries certain risks. Without sufficient legal and government regulations in place, the potential for exploitation of Africa’s wealth—including its natural resources—is greater. It is essential that African governments and organizations take measures to protect and preserve the continent’s natural and cultural heritage.
Additionally, there is the socio-cultural issue of a “modern Africa” versus an “authentic Africa.” Rapid modernization causes the displacement of some cultural norms, which can be damaging to traditional African societies. Despite the benefits of technology, it is essential to question and discuss the consequences of contemporary advances.
Conclusion
First-hand accounts and historical evidence alike demonstrate the long and perilous journey that was undertaken by those travelling from England to Africa in the early twentieth century. Nowadays, the ease of access provided by air travel has not only made the journey much shorter and much safer, but has also opened up the African continent to the rest of the world. With the technology available in the modern day, there are many possibilities for the continued advancement of Africa, while at the same time mitigating potential risks.
