1. Before the 1800s Africa had hundreds of ethnic & linguistic groups
By 1870s 80% of African nations below the Sahara Desert were led by kings, tribal leaders, or chiefs
These groups were getting along and co-existing
In early 1900s contact with Europeans grew as explorers went deeper into Africa to see what was out there
All this “looking around” led to some countries wanting more…and imperialism begins!
Life in Africa

2. Definition What is imperialism?
When a stronger nation takes over a weaker nation…and gets??
When

3. What does this cartoon depict? What is it trying to say?

4. Our Questions…
Why would Europeans want to imperialize Africa? What was this like for some countries in Africa?

5. Economic - GOLD
Europeans needed African resources and raw materials to make their products
Copper, tin, gold, diamonds, peanuts, palm oil, cocoa, & rubber were vital for European wealth and profit for all including Africans
Problem: created less farms for food and more for the goods others needed
GOLD = taking the resources from the country and making more $ for your country

6. Political/Military - GLORY
There was a need for steam-powered merchant ships and bases…so take what you can anywhere
Must stop rival countries like France and Great Britain from becoming too powerful
It’s all about the GLORY of taking over others and gaining respect!

7. Religious…GOD
Missionaries were sent to convert the peoples of Africa to Christianity
European rule was the best way to save the animal people of Africa…“they need to be fixed…no more savages”
Wanted to civilize (westernize) the people of foreign lands
Positive: these groups help make schools, hospitals, roads, and dams

8. SOCIAL DARWINISM A Social Belief
Evolution & Survival of the Fittest
Those who were fittest for survival enjoyed wealth & success, superior to others
Non-Europeans – lower scale of cultural & physical development
Right & duty to bring progress to other countries

9. What is Mr. Rhodes talking about?
CECIL RHODES
“I contend that we (Britons) are the first race in the world, and the more of the world we inhabit, the better it is for the human race… It is our duty to seize every opportunity of acquiring more territory… that more territory simply means more of the Anglo-Saxon (white) race, more of the best …”
What is Mr. Rhodes talking about?
Could this be racism?

10. BERLIN CONFERENCE
European competition for African colonies were fierce
Conference of 14 European nation, , lay down rules for the division of Africa
Any European nation could claim land in Africa by notifying other nations of its claims & showing it could control the area
No African leader invited to attend, no thoughts about African groups and how they might feel about being controlled/taken over
By 1914, only Liberia & Ethiopia remained free from European control

11. Colonization of Africa (before and after others take over)

15. Impact of Imperialism
What are the positive and negative effects of imperialism?
Create a list for each side of your handout
Write an E, A, or B with each you listed depending on who this effect is connected to

16. Imperialism Video