The Age of Imperialism

The Scramble for Africa

IMPERIALISM

What is Imperialism? European nation’s attempt and success in colonizing

as many areas in Africa and Asia as possible for the sole benefit of their home nation. The seizure of a country or territory by a stronger country In the case of Africa, the European nations dominated all

aspects of the weaker countries including politics, economics and the social lives of the people.

Africa in 1835

Africa in 1914

FACTORS PROMOTING IMPERIALISM Technology, new weapons, new steam

ships, railroads. Africans susceptible to disease,

Europeans had quinine for malaria. Europeans played off African rivalries

on one another and kept them from becoming unified.

THE DIVISION OF AFRICA

The Berlin Conference of 1884 – Fear of War Main purpose

to lay down rules for the division of Africa

14 European countries African rulers were not

invited to the conference European countries

wanted to establish colonies because of Raw materials Diamonds, gold, copper,

tin, cash-crops (peanuts, palm oil, cocoa, rubber)

RESISTANCE

Zulu fight the Britisho-Shaka the leader of the Zulu formed a well trained army in an effort to create a bigger state.o-His successors failed to continue his strengths and British invaders moved in.o-The Zulu bravely fought the British using spears and shields but eventually were defeated by the British weapons at the battle of Ulundi.o-By 1887, the Zulu had fallen under British domination.

THE BOER WARS The Boers were Dutch settlers

(farmers) who had arrived in Africa in the 1600’s.

They built large farms through the 1800’s until the British arrived.

In the 1830’s, they moved north to escape British rule in what is called The Great Trek.

The Zulu then found themselves fighting the Zulu and other tribes whose lands they were taking.

THE BOER WARS When diamond was discovered in the late

1890’s. the British sought to create a rebellion.

The Boers fought back against the British using guerilla tactics, Britain burned much of the Boer lands in retaliation.

The British used concentration camps and killed over 14,000 Africans were killed here.

By 1910, the Boers were defeated and the union of South Africa was formed under British rule.

THE EFFECTS OF COLONIAL RULENegative

African people lost their land, their independence, their cultures and thousands of lives (due to either disease or war).

Division of the continent; boundaries created by Europeans posed several problems that are still present today.

Positive

Reduced local wars Improved sanitation Provided hospitals and

schools Increased life expectancy

and literacy rates Economic growth

African products became valued on the international market

Although these are all positives, for the most part, they only benefited European business interests.