Imperialism in Africa
Agenda
1. Bell Ringer: You will have approximately 10 minutes
to complete the CCoT essay. Even if you are finished,
check it over and make sure all rubric points have
been met. (10)
2. Lecture: Imperialism in Africa (20)
3. Map Activity, the Scramble for Africa. (12)
4. Primary Document Analysis: Views of Imperialism
(15)
5. The CCoT Analysis (20)
6. Impact of Imperialism discussion (15)
HW: Focus Questions 20-21 are due on Friday.
Before Imperialism
• Africa divided into
hundreds of ethnic
groups and tribes.
• Steamboat would
allow Europeans to
conduct major
expeditions into
Africa.
Building Empires
• Henry Stanley goes to
Congo River Valley and
has a treaty signed by
African Chiefs.
• King Leopold II of
Belgium start the move to
control Africa.
– Claimed that he was
attempting to abolish slave
trade.
– Instead, exploited Africans
forcing them to collect sap
from rubber trees.
Motives
• Imperialism- the takeover
of a country or territory by
a stronger nation.
• Searched for new
markets, raw materials.
• Empire = greatness
• Social Darwinismsurvival of the fittest
applied to social change
and imperialism.
• Westernize foreign lands
Enabling Imperialism
• Technological Superiority
aided in conquering
people.
• Steam Engine made
travel easy, aided in
controlling others.
• Quinine allowed
Europeans to avoid the
mosquito and diseases.
• In Africa, the vast
differences in language
prevented solidarity
against the imperialists.
Berlin Conference
• 1860s, discovery of
diamonds and gold
increased interest in
Africa.
• 1884-1885- 14 countries
meet and set up rules for
territory in Africa.
– Any country could lay claim
to lands, as long as they
can control area, and notify
other countries.
– Africa carved up with no
thoughts to the tribes.
Nigeria
• Influence demanded over
the people socially and
economically.
• 1807, they would free
slaves, and then use that
group to take other
African tribes.
• They had to control 250
different tribes.
• Indirect control allowed
individual chiefs under
British control to rule over
tribes.
Resistance?
• East Africa attempted a
spiritual defense, believing
that sprinkling a magic
water on them turned
bullets into water…
• Maji Maji rebellion would
lead to thousands killed by
the machine gun.
• Ethiopia was more
successful, pitting Italians
and British against one
another. Menelik II would
build up an arsenal of
modern weapons from both
countries.