European Imperialism
in Africa
Imperialism =
a policy of
conquering
and ruling
other lands
African Trade [15c-17c]
A – African imperialism begins with• King Leopold II of Belgium signs
treaties with local chiefs of the Congo
River Valley- becomes known as the
Belgian Congo
• Leopold ruled the Congo like his own
private estate. Natives worked in
rubber fields and those that did not
supply enough rubber had their hands
cut off.
5-8 Million Victims!
(50% of Popul.)
It is blood-curdling to see them (the
soldiers) returning with the hands of
the slain, and to find the hands of
young children amongst the bigger
ones evidencing their bravery...The
rubber from this district has cost
hundreds of lives, and the scenes I
have witnessed, while unable to help
the oppressed, have been almost
enough to make me wish I were
dead... This rubber traffic is steeped
in blood, and if the natives were to
rise and sweep every white person on
the Upper Congo into eternity, there
would still be left a fearful balance to
their credit.
-- Belgian Official
F – Fighting for
Africa
•Soon after BelgiumEuropean powers
engaged in a
“Scramble for Africa”
starting in the 1870s.
•By 1890, most of
Africa came under
European control.
•European Imperialism in Africa
The major European powers to acquire
African territories were Great Britain,
France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal,
and Italy.
R – Riches in Africa
•The discovery of diamonds and gold in
South Africa increased European interest.
• This caused European powers to come in
conflict with one another.
I – Imperial powers meet at Berlin
Conference (1884-1885)
• Disputes among the imperial powers were
worked out at the conference
• At the Berlin Conference, rules were laid out
as to how divide Africa. Any European
country must notify others when land is
claimed.
• No African natives were invited to the
conference.
By 1914, only
Ethiopia
and
Liberia
remained
independent.
BLUE
RED
A positive effect of European imperialism
was the introduction of modern
transportation and communication
systems, such as telegraphs, railroads,
and telephones.
The introduction of
European medicine and improved nutrition
led to an expansion of population.
However, there were many negative
effects of European Imperialism
on Africa. African peoples were treated
as inferior (lesser peoples) to Europeans.
Europeans divided Africa and ignored
the tribal, ethnic, and cultural boundaries
of the African people. This has led to
tribal conflicts in many African nations
that continue to this day.
A – African Imperialism Motives
E. Napp
Source for
Raw
Industrial Materials
Revolution
European
Nationalism
Markets for European
Motives
Finished
For Colonization
Goods
Social
Darwinism
European
Racism
Humanitarian
“White
Reasons
Man’s
Burden”
Missionary
Activity
Military
& Naval
Bases
Places to
Dump
Unwanted/
Excess Popul.
Soc. & Eco.
Opportunities
The White Mans Burden
• The White Mans Burden
sphere of influence – When one country has trading
rights in another place. Area in which an outside power
claims exclusive trading/economic privilege.
Comparison example
Imperialism example
• think of a street
gang & its turf
• Britain selling
opium to China
E. Napp
colony– Settlement ruled directly by a mother country.
Officials sent from “mother country” to rule people &
impose culture, language, politics, & economics (France,
Germany, Belgium).
Comparison example
Imperialism example
E. Napp
protectorate – Country whose policies are guided by a
foreign country- not directly ruled. Local rulers left in
place, but accepted advice regarding trade, industry,
politics & missionaries.
Comparison example
Imperialism example
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