New Imperialism (1870-1914)

1. New Imperialism (1870-1914) In the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries exploration, discovery, dynastic interests, prestige had played an important role in colonization. Subsequently, chartered companies (British East India Company, English Royal African Company, Dutch East Indian Company etc...) trade driven private colonization in the form of trading privileges and eventually administrative control including armed and naval forces.

2. However, in the 19th century nature of colonization changed dramatically. Trade and economic interests of European states, need for raw materials and markets came to play growing role. States became involved and a “scramble for Africa” but also Asia emerged.

3. 1800

4. 1914

5. Colonial Africa - 1914

6. What drove this difference? 1. The psychology of “scramble” 2. Competition for control 3. Imperial greatness demanded by European nationalism 4. New European states desire to catch up Belgium (Congo), Germany (“weltpolitik”, Togoland, Cameroon, S.W.A) and Italy (“place in the sun”, Somaliland, Eritrea, Libya) 5. Strategic and military considerations, native soldiers, naval bases etc… 6. Rivalries (French-German over Morocco, French-UK Fashoda 1898)

8. Managing colonialism • Efforts to regulate –concert of Europe in actione.g. 1st Moroccan crisis - Algeciras conference and 2nd Moroccan crisis – Agadir conference 1911 • Berlin Conference 1884-85 • Address issue of Congo Free State as private land of King Leopold II conflicting French and Portuguese claims

9. Agreement: 1. Africa divided, no terra incognita 2. Congo property of Congo Society 3. Niger and Congo rivers free navigation 4. Principle of effectivity – effective control means possession 5. Ban slave trade