Age of Imperialism: Africa, China and India Mrs. McDonough, Ms. Thomas, Mrs. Hendricks

Imperialism in Africa

A. Imperialists Divide Africa Europeans make colonial claims in Africa, ignoring the claims of the tribes, kingdoms, and city-states already there.

Imperialists Divide Africa Cont. Europe’s foremost concern is how to control African people, land and resources.

Imperialists Divide Africa Continued: Africa Before Imperialism Europeans controlled only 10% of Africa – mostly on the coast Travel to the interior was impossible Africans controlled trade networks

Motives for Imperialism: New markets and sources of raw materials The Industrial Revolution created a need for more raw materials as goods were produced faster Countries also wanted new markets in which to sell products

Motives for Imperialism Continued: National Pride Nations viewed an empire as a sign of greatness Competition with other nations to get the most land

Motives for Imperialism Continued: Racism Europeans believed their race and culture were superior Social Darwinism – survival of fittest applied to society Since Europe was more developed than Africa, then it must mean that Europeans are more “fit” or superior White Man’s Burden Belief that it was the duty of Europeans to educate and uplift “backwards” people.

Motives for Imperialism Continued: Missionaries Wanted to Christianize “heathens” Wanted to civilize and westernize foreign peoples

Forces Enabling Imperialism: Technological Superiority Maxim Gun – first automatic machine gun – Europeans had it, Africans did not Railroads and steamers – made travel easy. Europeans could now establish bases of control Telegraph Cables – made communication fast and easy Quinine (medicine) – protected Europeans from malaria African diversity of language and culture prevented unity

The Scramble for Africa: The discovery of diamonds and gold lead to interest in colonization Berlin Conference Held to prevent European nations from fighting over Africa Divided land without regard to ethnic distribution No African leaders were in attendance Colonies are Shaped No European goods were bought, but raw materials were still needed. Business developed around this need. Food crops are replaced by cash crop plantations Mineral resources were the greatest source of wealth

Three Groups Clash Over South Africa: Zulus, British and Dutch settle in South Africa Dutch (Boers) move north to escape the British – Great Trek Boers clash with Zulus as they infringe on Zulu land Boer War starts when outsiders move in to find gold Boers blame British over a rebellion and start a war British win – take control of South Africa

How the colonies were managed: Indirect Control Relied on existing local rulers to handle daily affairs Legislative councils were established Councils trained local leaders in the British form of government Eventually the colony would be able to govern itself Direct Control Viewed local population as children unable to handle governing Paternalistic policy – providing for needs, but giving no rights Government officials were brought in – locals people did not govern, nor were they trained in European methods of government

African Resistance: Africans tried to retain independence through rebellion and alliances Europeans often went back on agreements and broke alliances Europeans had superior weaponry – Africans had no chance Only Ethiopia successfully remained independent of European control – had modern weapons

Impact of Colonial Rule: Negative Aspects Africans lost control of lands and independence Death from war and European diseases Famine due to change from food crop to cash crop Breakdown of traditional culture – identity problems Division of the continent from the Berlin Conference Rivals groups were united Kinship groups were split These artificial boundaries plagued colonies and cause problems when they eventually become nations

Impact of Colonial Rule Continued: Positive Aspects Schools, hospitals, and improved sanitation Local warfare was reduced Economic expansion – African products valued in world market

Key Concepts: (Africa) Desire for markets and raw materials spark African colonization Motives also include racism, nationalism, and religious zeal Forces enabling this includes technology, quinine, and African disunity Berlin Conference seals Africa’s fate without their input

Key Concepts: (Africa) Europeans use direct or indirect control over colonies African resistance to imperialism is in vain Only Ethiopia is successful in resistance Division of continent tears the fabric of African culture. It disrupts centuries of local tradition.