Imperialism in Africa 1830-1917

Colonial Legacies Social and cultural disruption- European rule introduces Africans to a foreign way of life Underdeveloped human potential- Africans were basically ignored or exploited as cheap labor Weak infrastructures and exploited resources- while roads, hospitals and schools were built, many were for the Europeans, not the native Africans

Colonial Legacies, cont. Colonial Boundaries- Europe carved Africa to suit its needs, not according to ethnic groups – cause conflict and wars Colonial government as a negative role model- these were not governments that encouraged democracy or self-rule. Rather, they were authoritarian and manipulative and used threats of violence to keep order, rather than granting rights

Please look at map on page 607 during PowerPoint North Africa This area belonged to the Ottoman Empire for centuries As a result, there was a strong Muslim influence England, France, and Italy take control away from the Ottomans Please look at map on page 607 during PowerPoint

The French in North Africa The French took over Algeria and Tunisia There was intense competition between England, Spain, Italy and France over Morocco Through deals with these countries, France gets majority control over Morocco

Suez Canal Suez Canal- under Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French company was to build through Isthmus of Suez in 1854 The canal was completed in 1869

British in North Africa The ruler of Egypt, Isma’il created large debts To help pay these debts, he decided to sell the majority stock share in the Suez Canal In 1875, the British became the largest stockholder and virtual controller of the canal!

The Sudan After gaining control over Egypt, the British wanted the Sudan The upper Nile flows through the Sudan France also wanted this area

The Sudan, cont. The French are Weak! Uprising by the native Muslim population to change their current government gave the British an excuse to invade The French realized they were no match for the British army/navy, so they yielded to the British

Italy in North Africa Since Italy was brand new, it was very weak, and no match for France or England They took the crumbs that were left over – Tripoli (they renamed it Libya) The Libyans opposed the Italians Libya cost a lot of money and provided no benefit since most of the land was barren