Imperialism

Imperialism: The seizure of a country or territory by a stronger country Stronger countries dominate the political, economic, and social lives of the weaker countries

Setting the Stage: Industrialism National Pride European Superiority Need for raw materials and cheap labor Need for new markets to sell finished goods National Pride European Superiority Racism Social Darwinism Steam Engines Maxim Gun

Pre-European Africa: Divisions of hundreds of ethnic and linguistic groups Traditional beliefs, some conversions to Islam and Christianity Europeans kept from interior of Africa Trade was conducted on a tribe-by-tribe basis

The Scramble for Africa: By the late 1800s: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Britain, and Spain were claiming parts of Africa

Division of Africa: Diamond and gold discoveries increased the desire for colonies in Africa Berlin Conference 1884-1885 To control land in Africa, the conquering country must: Notify other European countries of the claims Control the area No Africans were present

Four Types of Control: Colony Protectorate Sphere of Influence Country or territory governed by a foreign power Protectorate Country or territory with its own government, but under control of an outside power Sphere of Influence An outside power claims all investment or trading rights to the area Economic Imperialism An independent but less developed country controlled by private businesses, not government

Indirect control: Relies on existing government British colonies of Australia and Canada United States and its Pacific Island Colonies

Direct Control: Africans were not capable of running countries themselves Paternalism Governed people to provide for their needs, not their rights Used foreign government officials to rule African colonies Assimilation Thought that in time, the locals would adopt French culture

Legacy: Negative Effects: Africans lose control of own territories and freedom Many died from new diseases, such as smallpox Warfare from resistance fighting Loss of traditional cultures Division of Lands: Artificial lines Continues to create issues in modern states

Positive Effects: Reduced Local Warfare Humanitarian Efforts Improved sanitation, hospitals, schools Economic Expansion African products now in world markets Railroads, dams, telegraph wires