Scramble for Africa
Imperialism
 The
policy of extending a
nation’s authority by territorial
acquisition or by the
establishment of economic and
political hegemony over other
nations
Why Did the Scramble for Africa
Begin?
In 1876, King Leopold II of Belgium
created the International African
Association
 This was meant to control the Congo
Basin, which was rich in minerals
 The Berlin Conference was held in
1884, and decided to let Leopold
keep the Congo Basin
 However, for future claims, a country
must add economic development to
any land it occupies


Leopold II of Belgium
Who Claims What?
Great Britain claims land stretching
from Egypt to South Africa
 France occupies a lot of west Africa
 Germany occupies modern day
Tanzania and Namibia
 Portuguese occupied Angola and
Mozambique
 Ethiopia and Liberia remain
untouched

Liberia
Ethiopia
Reasons for Imperialism
 Nationalism
Pride in one’s own country
would result in competition
with other countries
 Racial
reasons
Europeans saw themselves as the
most advanced civilization and it
was their duty to “civilize” people
in Africa
It’s during this time that Rudyard
Kipling writes “The White Man’s
Burden” (1899)
Originally about American take
over of Philippines
 Economic
Reasons
Africa had an abundance of
raw materials such as copper,
cotton, rubber, tea and tin

1913
Writing Assignment
Pretend you are a leader in Europe in the
late 19th century
 Would you agree or disagree with the
policy of imperialism in Africa?
 Write 10 sentences defending your
position
