1.  the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies. 2.  British. the policy of so uniting the separate parts of an empire with separate governments as to secure for certain purposes a single state.

 Now that we know what “imperialism” means, why would European nations impose it on parts of Africa?  What are some of the ways that European imperialism came to Africa?  What might be some of the benefits to indigenous people of Africa through colonization? What may be some of the drawbacks?

 By 1875 European possessions in Africa consisted of some forts and trading posts along the coast and a few tiny colonies. Between 1880 and 1910, however, Africa was divided up among the Europeans. For the next 50 years, decisions about Africa and its people were not made in Africa, but in European capitals.

 Agreements made between European trading companies and African chiefs  Tribal chiefs sometimes asked for European protection from another tribe  Treaties were signed by African chiefs giving European companies or government power to govern  Thousands of treaties were signed by African rulers giving away most of their rights due to lack of understanding of treaties/language

 European countries competed with each other to gain power and prestige  The more land they were able to control, the more powerful and important they could become  Natural resources brought to Europe and turned into manufactured goods  Taking of territory simply to prevent another European nation from taking it

 The forced control or governing influence of a nation over a dependent country, territory, or people

 A strong pride in one’s nation or ethnic group  What are some examples of nationalism?  During the 1920s and 30s, some colonial rulers sent a few Africans to attend universities in Europe and the U.S. Educated Africans began to believe they could govern themselves

 African men fought for European Allies during WWI and thousands died  Those that returned talked about the freedoms they had seen in Europe  Ex-soldiers wanted self-rule

 The idea of pan-Africanism grew – people of African descent from all over the world should work together for their freedom  In 1919 the first Pan-African Congress was organized

 Many Africans fought in WWII  Demand for independence grew  European nations were tired and poor from war so they did not put up much resistance in African independence movements  For the most part, the path to independence was smooth, but a few were very violent

 During colonial rule, Nigeria experienced a well-organized government, rich resources, and a strong economy  It was thought that when Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain, its diversity would be a source of strength, however, it became a source of conflict  Nigerian politicians focused on ethnic groups instead of the whole country

 The UK gave South Africa independence in 1910  Only white South Africans were free and could vote  In 1948 the official policy of racial segregation, known as apartheid, was adopted  People were strictly separated into racial groups: Blacks, Whites, Colored (mixed) and Asians