How did the settlers in the book contribute to the death of Okonkwo?

The white European colonists gradually undermine the traditional Igbo culture and eventually take control of Umuofia and the surrounding tribes. Okonkwo is portrayed as a callous, obdurate man, who supports traditional Igbo customs and is completely opposed to the spread of European culture in the region. During Okonkwo’s exile, the Europeans establish schools, stores, churches, and a bureaucracy in the region that undermines the authority of Umuofia’s elders. When Okonkwo returns to his village after seven years, he sees the changes made in his community and responds by destroying a Christian church. Okonkwo and his fellow elders are then arrested, tortured, and disrespected by the European officials, which further antagonizes Okonkwo. Eventually, Okonkwo cannot contain his rage and negative feelings towards the Europeans and ends up decapitating a white messenger after learning that the tribe will not fight against the colonists. Rather than suffer punishment at the hands of the white oppressors, Okonkwo tragically commits suicide by hanging himself from a tree in his compound.