Transcript Imperialism in africa

IMPERIALISM
IN AFRICA
IMPERIALISM = A POLICY OF CONQUERING AND RULING OTHER LANDS
THE BERLIN CONFERENCE 1884-1885
The invasion, occupation,
colonization, and annexation of
African territory by European
powers during the New Imperialism
period between 1881 and 1914.
The Berlin Conference of 1884,
which regulated European
colonization and trade in Africa, is
often cited as a convenient
starting point.
As the world approached the 20th century, several powers grew
desperate for more land and more control. In the 1870’s the
Belgium King Leopold sent emissaries to establish trade with
native Africans in the Congo.
REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM:
1. The European nations all wanted power and prestige
2. The rich resources in Africa could be turned into manufactured
goods.
3. Europeans needed markets for manufactured goods.
4. Many European nations would take over countries so no one else
could have control.
REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM CONT.
• Following the Industrial Revolution, Europeans regarded their new technology
(weaponry, telegraphs, railroads etc.) as proof they were better than other peoples.
• This attitude is a reflection of racism, the belief that one race is superior to others.
• Europeans believed that they had the right and duty to bring the results of their
progress to other countries.
Nations competed for overseas empires. Europe believed in its own superiority.
CECIL JOHN RHODES
"Why should we not form a secret society
with but one object, the furtherance of
the British Empire and the bringing of
the whole world under British rule, for
the recovery of the United States, for
making the Anglo Saxon race but one
Empire? What a dream, but yet it is
probable, it is possible."
• This single act began a flurry of imperialistic activity
as the other nations of Europe, including: France,
Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
This immediate fight for land is known as...
THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA!
NATIONS INVOLVED IN IMPERIALISM OF AFRICA
• Spain
• Portugal
• Great Britain
• France
• Italy
• Belgium
• Germany
TERRITORIES OF AFRICAN IMPERIALISM
Spain controlled Rio de Oro and Spanish Morocco
Portugal controlled Angola and Mozambique and New Guinea
Great Britain controlled Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, North and South
Rhodesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Gold Coast, Sierra Leonne, French
Somaliland, and Gambia
France controlled Algeria, French West Africa, French Equatorial Africa,
Madagascar, and Morocco
Italy controlled Libya, and Eritrea
RESOURCES IN AFRICA EXPLOITED FOR PROFIT
Manufactured Goods
Ivory
Gold
Palm Oil
THE EFFECTS OF IMPERIALISM
There were both positive and negative effects.
Positive Effects
1. Imperialism gave Africa a more structured political system
2. Many African Nations still have these same form of governments today.
3. Imperialism introduced the idea of Nationalism and concepts like constitution and
democracy.
Negative Effects
1. Nationalism caused many wars and revolutions in Africa.
2. Imperialism caused tribes in Africa to live together who spoke different languages.
HOW IMPERIALISM SPREAD
• 1. Europeans made agreements with African Chiefs permitting
them to trade and keep order in the area.
• 2. The traders put pressure on their governments to take over
and protect them.
• 3. Africans would get Europeans to protect them from other rival
African tribes.
• 4. Treaties were used by African Chiefs that gave control to the
Europeans without the Africans really understanding what they
were giving up.
HOW DID AFRICANS GAIN INDEPENDENCE?
• As World War II ended, the only nominally independent African states were
Egypt, Liberia and the reconstituted nation of Ethiopia. Nonetheless, in 1945
these states in actuality were firmly under the control of imperialism.
• Liberia had been established as a settlement for formerly enslaved Africans
from the United States beginning in 1822. Granted nominal independence
in 1847, it remained under control of the U.S. and after the 1920s became
Firestone’s private rubber plantation.
• In 1956 Sudan gained its independence from Britain, followed in 1957 by
Ghana.
• In 1958, Guinea became the first French-occupied territory in Africa to opt
out of the colonial system. In 1954 Algeria had embarked upon an armed
struggle and finally won its freedom from French imperialism in 1961-62.
HOW AFRICANS GAINED INDEPENDENCE CONT.
• Guinea in its demand for liberation in 1958, along with British and
Belgian colonies, became independent. These included Cameroon,
Togo, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia,
Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Chad, the Central African
Republic, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and
Mauritania.
• On June 30, 1960, the people of Congo proclaimed their
independence under Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and the
Congolese National Movement.
THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER?
• Why do you think there was such demand for
African land?
• Which nations do you think were most fought over
among the European powers?
• Does this act of imperialism relate to any other acts
in world history?
The End