European Imperialism in Africa1800-1914

What is Imperialism?

Powerful nations seek to extend their control or influence over less powerful nations Example: European nations

(powerful) go to African nations (weaker) to gain control the land.

European Motives

Economic

Political

Cultural/Religious

Economic Motives

European nations were going through their Industrial Revolution. Increased production =

increased demand for raw materials Africa was a vast land filled

with opportunity for raw materials.

Industrial nations began looking for new markets. Industrialists wanted

exclusive rights to sell in African markets.

Political Motives

Nationalists (pride and loyalty to one’s nation) argued having colonies increased the strength and prestige of their nations. Example: Great Britain

claimed lands in Africa in order to prevent German and French expansion.

Cultural/Religious Motives

People of the Industrial West thought they had a duty to pass on Western ides and knowledge to the rest of the world.

Some people went to Africa for religious reasons. They thought their religion

was superior, and wanted African to adopt their beliefs.

Christian missionaries supported European colonial governments.

Imperialistic Process

Economic Involvement lead to Political Involvement which led to Eventual Control over the colonies Most European nations used this process to gain

new colonies.

European Claims in Africa“Cutting up pieces of the pie”

Great Britain

Areas Egypt

Gold Coast

Nigeria

South Africa

Resources,Motives Control on the Nile River

region

Cecil Rhodes controlled diamond production in South Africa

Protect a trade route to India

France

Areas West Africa

North Africa

Resources/Motives Wanted to control trade in

this region after the abolition of the slave trade

Increased authority in the Mediterranean.

Germany

Areas South Africa

Resources/Motives Diamonds

Gold

Safeguard raw materials

European Government in Africa

Direct Rule France, Germany

Imperial power controlled all levels of government

Assimilation – people of the colonies would abandon their customs and adopt those of the imperial nation

Indirect Rule Great Britain

British governor and a council of advisors would make colonial laws

Local ruler had some power

African Resistance

Many Africans resisted European rule with military force. Several wars broke out in Africa against several

European nations.

Despite the resistance, Africans were no match for the Europeans. Mainly because the the technology Europeans had.

Benefits and Cost of Imperialism

Benefits New agricultural techniques

were introduced

Medicine

Constructed roads and railroads

Tried to make African products available worldwide

Costs Most Africans did not accept

European customs

European Industry and institutions did not benefit Africans

Led to conflicts between tribes

Millions of Africans were killed during the resistance.