Imperialism and Africa

• Imperialism is the extension of political, economic, or social control by industrialized nations on other weaker nations, regions, and territories. (A stronger nation tries to dominate a weaker nation through economic, political and social means).

Imperialism and Africa

Africa Before Imperialism• 100s of ethnic groups

• Christianity and Muslim• 1000s of languages

• Europe is kept out

• African armies kept Europe out for 400 years

• Travel nearly impossible - rivers• IR and natural resources are the

sparks needed for domination

Motives Driving Imperialism

We are Better Than You • Racism

• One race is superior to another

• Social Darwinism• The “fittest” and strong survive to enjoy the

wealth, success, and superiority• This “gives” Europe the right to bring progress• Social Darwinism is what it sounds like. The

Euros thought that since they were the most technologically and administratively advanced people they encountered anywhere on the globe and that they were capable of conquering others, they were necessarily fitter than all others and were superior to them

Motives Driving Imperialism

Need Our Goods• Raw Materials for fancy new factories• To force European goods onto Africa• To expand European power• To “civilize” the savage

Forces Allowing Imperialism

European Motives• Nationalism – “we are here, not you”• Econ competition – profit• European racism• Missionaries• Military and Naval – more control

External Forces• Maxim gun – 1st auto machine gun• Railroads, steamships, cable (communication)

Internal Forces Different cultures/language – no unity Europe learned to play each culture

against each other

Berlin Conference

Preventing War• Competition was fierce for Africa• Berlin Conference

Berlin Conference 1884• No one wanted war so …. • Gave “rules” on how to divide Africa

LOL No African nation was rep in meeting

Colonial Control FormsForms of Imperialism Explanation

Colony

Protectorate

Sphere of Influence

Economic Imperialism

A country is governed by a foreign power

A country has its own government but is controlled by an outside power

An country where outside powers claim exclusive rights to trade and economics (no one else can trade with.)

A country that is independent but undeveloped and controlled by business not another govt.

How to Manage Those ColoniesIndirect Control Direct Control

Local rulers used to help govern

Some self rule

Goal is to develop future “loyal” local rulers

European style with local rules

Foreign rulers used to govern

No self rule

Goal is to assimilate entire culture

Based solely on European styles

Example: US Pacific Islands

Example: French Vietnam

Impact of Colonial Rule of Africa

The Negative• Lost land and independence• War• Famine • Loss of culture

Impact of Colonial Rule of Africa

The Positive• Reduced local tribal wars• Humanitarian efforts

• Hospitals • Schools

• Economy/Industry• Railroads• Dams• Communication

• By 1914, Africa had been split up :

• Note that Ethopia and Liberia remained uncolonized.

• Liberia was a settlement by freed American slaves.

• Ethiopia successfully fought off Italian colonizers.

• See if you can identify part of the problem with colonization.