Transcript Imperialists Divide Africa - World Geography & Cultures

Imperialists Divide Africa
What is Imperialism?

Definition: one country taking over
another with intent to dominate all
aspects of the people of that nation
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Africa
– Divided into hundreds of ethnic and linguistic
groups
– Strong armies kept Europeans out until 1800s
 How were they able to do this? Brainstorm ideas
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Until the Europeans gained advanced technology, the
Africans were successful
Social Darwinism – evolution and “survival of the fittest”
applied to social change
Europeans had a technological advantage
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Maxim gun – first machine gun
Steam engine (navigate those rivers!)
Quinine (drug that helps prevent Malaria)
Lack of unity among African groups
Berlin Conference (1884-1885)
– 14 European nations make rules for dividing Africa
– NO AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVES
Where Were the Resources?
Who Got What?
Side by Side
Open Your Notes
Think about it…
 In your notes write down (you may work
with the people near you)
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– 3 potential positive effects of colonial rule
– 3 potential negative effects of colonial rule
Impact on Africa

Positive –
– Reduced local warfare
– Improved sanitation, more hospitals and
schools in some regions
 Lifespan and literacy rates increased
– Economic expansion
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Negative –
– Loss of control of land and independence
– Death due to disease, battle and famine
– Breakdown of traditional culture
– Division of the African continent
What’s the Deal With Little Sierra Leon?
Sierra Leone’s Civil War
(1991-2002)
The war was triggered by:
-
Political instability
-
Blood diamonds
The civil war resulted in:
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Tens of thousand dead
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Over a million refugees
- Destruction of 60% of
educational infrastructure
Children Were Particularly Effected
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As victims they experienced
mass amputation
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As perpetrators they served
as child soldiers
What About Now?
Sierra Leone ranks last in the
latest UN Human Development
Index
Two thirds of adults are
illiterate
(with female illiteracy at 77%)
Life expectancy is 42
Half of the population does not
have access to potable water
30%of children under 5 are
underweight