Imperialism Definition: Taking over a weaker country and dominating their political, economic and social life. Why: Europeans wanted to gain more lands to get raw materials

Africa before Imperialism Europeans controlled very little land Powerful African armies-kept Europeans out. Europeans could not navigate African rivers until they had steam powered boats Mainly only Explorers & Missionaries made it to the interior

Motives behind Imperialism Economic: Desire to make money, acquire raw materials 2. Political: Nation’s desire to gain power, compete and boost national pride.

Motives (continued) 3. Religious: Desire to spread Christianity and their values & beliefs. 4. Exploratory: Desire to explore the unknown, scientific research, investigate cultures and uncharted lands 5. Ideological: The belief that the white race was superior and other cultures were “primitive.” Belief that Europeans should civilize the people.

Factors that enabled Imperialism Internal Factors: Variety of cultures & languages, low level of technology, fighting between ethnic groups External Factors: Maxim gun, cure for Malaria, railroads, steamships

Scramble for Africa Began in 1880 Countries became more interested after the discovery of diamonds & gold Led to the Berlin Conference (meeting in 1884-1885)

Berlin Conference 14 European nations met to make rules on how to divide Africa. Goal: avoid war No African leaders were invited Decided Africa’s fate By 1914- only Liberia & Ethiopia remained free