EUROPEAN IMPERIALISM IN AFRICA

IM·PE·RI·AL·ISM–NOUN

1. the policy of extending the rule or authority of

an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

2. British. the policy of so uniting the separate

parts of an empire with separate governments as to secure for certain purposes a single state.

 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

Now that we know what “imperialism” means, why would European nations impose it on parts of Africa?

  What are some of the ways that European

imperialism came to Africa?  What might be some of the benefits to indigenous

people of Africa through colonization? What may be some of the drawbacks?

 

INTRODUCTION

By 1875 European possessions in Africa consisted of some forts and trading posts along the coast and a few tiny colonies. Between 1880 and 1910, however, Africa was divided up among the Europeans. For the next 50 years, decisions about Africa and its people were not made in Africa, but in European capitals.

HOW DID EUROPEAN RULE COME TO AFRICA?

Agreements made between European trading companies and African chiefs

Tribal chiefs sometimes asked for European protection from another tribe

Treaties were signed by African chiefs giving European companies or government power to govern

Thousands of treaties were signed by African rulers giving away most of their rights due to lack of understanding of treaties/language

 

WHY?

European countries competed with each other to gain power and prestige

The more land they were able to control, the more powerful and important they could become

Natural resources brought to Europe and turned into manufactured goods

Taking of territory simply to prevent another European nation from taking it

COLONIALISM:

The forced control or governing influence of a nation over a dependent country, territory, or people

NATIONALISM:

A strong pride in one’s nation or ethnic group

What are some examples of nationalism?

During the 1920s and 30s, some colonial rulers sent a few Africans to attend universities in Europe and the U.S. Educated Africans began to believe they could govern themselves

WWI

African men fought for European Allies during WWI and thousands died

Those that returned talked about the freedoms they had seen in Europe

Ex-soldiers wanted self-rule

PAN-AFRICAN CONGRESS

The idea of pan-Africanism grew – people of African descent from all over the world should work together for their freedom

In 1919 the first Pan-African Congress was organized

WWII AND INDEPENDENCE

Many Africans fought in WWII Demand for independence grew European nations were tired and poor

from war so they did not put up much resistance in African independence movements

For the most part, the path to independence was smooth, but a few were very violent

NIGERIA

During colonial rule, Nigeria experienced a well-organized government, rich resources, and a strong economy

It was thought that when Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain, its diversity would be a source of strength, however, it became a source of conflict

Nigerian politicians focused on ethnic groups instead of the whole country

SOUTH AFRICA

The UK gave South Africa independence in 1910

Only white South Africans were free and could vote

In 1948 the official policy of racial segregation, known as apartheid, was adopted

People were strictly separated into racial groups: Blacks, Whites, Colored (mixed) and Asians