1. African Imperialism Notes

2. Africa: What we know so far…
We know that Africa is a CONTINENT, NOT a country.
Where did Africa’s countries get their shapes though?

3. Africa: What we know so far…
Europeans enslaved many Africans and forced them to work in their colonies across the Atlantic.

4. Africa: What we know so far…
The slave trade stopped because of the European Industrial Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution made trade in finished products and raw materials more profitable than trade in human beings, especially coal for transportation.

5. Africa: What we know so far…
So, where were Europeans going to get all the raw materials they needed to make their finished products?

6. Why not just take the natural resources from Africa?

7. Reasons to colonize Africa
Protect transportation routes
Great Britain wanted to ensure ships could continue going through the Suez Canal and Cape of Good Hope.
Collect natural resources
Gold, platinum, diamonds, rubber
c. Bring Christianity to the Africans
d. Added prestige (good reputation) for the European country.

8. The One Who Has Territory, Has Power
Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain were competing for power in Europe.
The main way to gain political power is to have territories around the world.

9. Berlin Conference of 1884
The desire to have lands in Africa was so strong that there was a fear of war.
German chancellor Otto von Bismark called the Berlin Conference of to set some ground rule in Africa.

11. Berlin Act Slave trade was forbidden by land or sea.
Countries had to notify others when adding additional territories.
Congo Basin was free to trade on
Congo and Niger River would remain neutral and free for trade.
Countries could not have a colony in name only.
Free State of Congo would remain open to all European investments

12. Borders were drawn up to benefit the European powers and without participation of African leaders.
This division was disastrous as the new boundary lines divided ethnic groups and in most cases forced rival ethnic groups to live together

13. Sound familiar?

14. IN 1878, MUCH OF AFRICA WAS NOT COLONIZED BY EUROPE
…BUT BY 1885, OVER 90% OF AFRICA WOULD BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF EUROPEAN EMPIRES, PARTICULARLY THE BRITISH AND THE FRENCH
IN 1878,
MUCH OF
AFRICA
WAS NOT
COLONIZED
BY EUROPE

15. Summary Europe colonized Africa for
Trade Routes
Natural Resources
Prestige
Spread Christianity
Artificial boundaries were created in the Berlin Conference placing opposing groups of people together and creating conflict