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The Scramble for Africa. Definition. The Scramble for Africa: the "carving up" of Africa by Europeans in preparation for colonialism. New borders and land grabs by European countries were decided at the Berlin Conference (1884-1885). Berlin Conference. Legitimizes “Scramble for Africa”
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Definition • The Scramble for Africa: • the "carving up" of Africa by Europeans in preparation for colonialism. • New borders and land grabs by European countries were decided at the Berlin Conference (1884-1885).
Berlin Conference • Legitimizes “Scramble for Africa” • European powers formally sanction partition of continent • Imperialism occurring elsewhere around the world: • India, Southeast Asia, Latin America • No Africans are invited to attend the conference • European powers could occupy African territory • had to “effectively occupy” for sovereignty • no claims unless government office established • Saw themselves as “liberators” • process of occupation was often violent
Factors Behind European Imperialism • Political • Nationalist rivalries • Balance of power politics • Social imperialism • Economic • Need to acquire and control nee markets • Search for valuable natural resources • Military • More advanced weaponry and armies • Allowed for subjugation of the continent
Countries Involved • Germany • Sought to drive a wedge between British and French claims. • East and southwest Africa • Especially violent • Great Britain • Obtained the most valuable possessions. • Egypt, Sudan, and southern Africa • France • Wanted to compensate for land lost to Germany in Europe. • “Owned” land exceeding the size of the U.S. • Belgium • Claims the Congo region (including Rwanda)
