Imperialism in Africa

1. Imperialism in Africa

2. Colonial Control • Four forms of colonial control: • Colony—country governed internally by a foreign power • Protectorate—country with its own internal govt, but under control of outside power • Sphere of Influence—area in which outside power claims exclusive trading privileges • Economic imperialism—independent, but less developed country controlled by private business interests other than govt

3. Methods of Management • Indirect control—relied on existing rulers—local rulers who would be loyal to imperialists, would be trained in dominant country’s ways • Direct control—paternalism—Europeans governed in a parental way by providing for their needs but not giving them rights—brought in their own rulers • Assimilation—forcing colonies to adopt ways, culture, and frequently language of dominant country

4. Case Study—Nigeria • Britain gained control through military and diplomatic means • Used indirect control to manage peoples of different cultures and areas • Many Africans resisted European rule. Resistance attempts failed—including military and religious resistance movements (maji-maji uprising—magic water sprinkled on themselves would turn European bullets into water)

5. Ethiopia—Only Successful Resistance • Led by Menelik II, who played European countries against each other, while building up arsenal of modern weapons • Won battles against Italy to remain independent

6. Legacy of Colonial Rule in Africa • Negative—lost control of land & independence, introduction of disease such as smallpox, 1000s killed in resistance, breakdown of cultures, authority figures replaced, division of continent on artificial boundaries • Positive—reduced local warfare, some humanitarian efforts, economic expansion, infrastructure improvements