The Scramble for Africa

1. The Scramble for Africa Mr. Mizak Global Studies

2. Quick Review • What is Imperialism? • Stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations • Economically • Politically • Culturally • Militarily • Why would countries try to create empires?

3. Reasons for Imperialism • Economic Factors- • Growth of industry in Europe created a need for new sources of natural resources • New markets to sell goods were needed • Nationalistic Factors- • Competition among European nations • Nationalism-devotion to one’s nation

4. Reasons (cont) • Military Factors- Increase in military technology produced armies that were far superior to those in the 3rd world. • Humanitarian Factors- Many believed it was their duty to civilize and spread the blessing of Western Civilization • “The White Man’s Burden”

5. The Scramble for Africa • Before the 1800s not much was known about Africa First European Contact- Early explorers of the 1800s • many were missionaries- both Catholic and Protestant • sincere in desire to help, paternalistic in view • European nations realized there was much to gain from Africa = “The Scramble for Africa”

6. Berlin Conference 1884-1885 • Due to heightened interest in Africa, Europe came together to decide how Africa would be divided • no Africans are invited to attend the conference • legitimizes “Scramble for Africa”

7. The “New Africa” 1885

8. Impact of European Rule • European nations set up governments that reflected their own • Legal systems were based on abstract principles of right and wrong • Africans saw European principles as unjust • Colonial Governments • Direct rule- Colonial power controlled gov. at every level • Indirect rule- Traditional rules left in place but still under European rule

9. Pros/Cons of European Colonization • Pros • New systems of transportation and communication • Travel became easier • Better medical care • Better schools • Cons • Africans forced to work on projects for very low wages • Old traditions were lost