European Imperialism in Africa SS7H1: The student will analyze continuity and change in Africa leading to the 21st century

Background: Colonies in America needed a labor force, so the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade began Europe became interested in Africa while they were involved in trans-Atlantic slave trade Slaves were taken from Africa in exchange for weapons and goods, to America in exchange for resources, which went to Europe to make the goods.

Slave Trade:

More Background… Slave trade ended but the wealth of Africa did not Competition for power drove Europeans into Africa looking for colonies and raw materials

What is Imperialism? To take control of a foreign territory by establishing colonies for economic gain An early European plan for Africa was to control areas of Africa to protect transportation routes to their colonies Nearly all Europeans felt the people in Africa were backward; most knew nothing of the great cultures that were a part of Africa’s past

Empires Have Needs!! LAND: More land = More Power RESOURCES: Africa was rich in resources in some places and fertile for farming in other locations

Africa’s Resources:

Easy as Pie!!! The Africans were easily conquered because the Europeans had much more powerful military technology

Speaking of Pie…. Africa was essentially carved up into pieces by the powerful European countries: Britain France Germany Belgium

Who had the most control? Looking at the map, you can see: England and France control most of the continent

Colonial Life in Africa The British used indirect rule - using African people to help European officials oversee African colonies; mostly they used local chiefs The French encouraged Africans to become French citizens; the French followed a policy of assimilation (giving up ones own customs and adopting customs of another culture)

After World War II World War II weakened the Europeans Africans realized that colonialism was not equality for all (like Britain treated the Indians) The Africans fought on the side of Europeans during WW II and now wanted freedom for themselves Slowly European powers began to liberate their African colonies

Long Term Issues When the Europeans divided Africa into colonies, they had no regard for who lived on what land. When the Africans gained independence, they kept to the European borders They split up tribes and kinship groups; tribes fought (and still do) bloody wars trying to get control of their land

Let’s Review! Imperialism in Africa: Causes: Want for large empire Want for natural resources Easy to conquer Felt Africans were backward and needed help Effects: Changed boundaries Sense of Nationalism Africans became economically dependent on Europe

Pan-African Movement (world-wide movement) Protests against racism and political oppression led to Pan-Africanism. They sought to end European control over Africa. They wanted Africa to become a homeland for ALL people of African descent. They wanted cultural unity and equality for everyone of African heritage.