Kemi Badenoch appeared to argue in leaked messages that colonialism simply 'replaced' a system of oppression that existed in Africa before Europeans arrived there.
Africa was divided up by several European powers between 1881 and 1914, with 90 per cent of the continent falling under western control.
Colonialism, as it came to be known, was driven by economic, political and religious reasons with powerful nations like Germany, France and Britain struggling in a time of depression.
However, it was also powered by a rivalry between empires, with the European nations racing to acquire as much of the continent as possible.
Africa had an abundance of raw materials from which Europe could make money from and so Europeans acquired products like oil, ivory, rubber, palm oil, wood, cotton and gum. These products became of greater significance due to the emergence of the Industrial Revolution.
The conquest of the continent also paved the way for the transatlantic slave trade with millions of Africans forcibly transported out and put to work.
The period of time has been widely derided by campaigners who have frequently called for more recognition of the horrors of empire.
However, others, such as Ms Badenoch, have argued against the criticism of colonialism.
Ms Badendoch said: 'I don't care
