Imperialism--Africa

Forms of imperialism Economic – control raw materials; gain new markets for sale of goods – Example?? Political – military bases; control govts in “strategic” locations – SUEZ Canal Cultural – racism – white man’s burden; “civilize” “Christianize” the backward peoples of the world (usually those w/ brown skin) – Example??

Europeans in Africa – the “dark” continent 1500s s - trading posts on the coasts of Africa Late 1800s - European powers moved onto the continent Difficult geography and disease kept them from moving into the interior Europeans had little knowledge and absolutely no ambition to learn about African culture

Slavery, explorers & missionaries Triangular trade African slaves to American colonies Europeans outlawed the slave trade in the 1800s – mostly for economic reasons Explorers set out to map the great African rivers—the Nile and the Congo Missionaries saw the African people as “children” who needed guidance and salvation. Wanted to win souls to Christianity Built schools & medical clinics Forced Africans to reject African traditions (including religion) and embrace Western culture & Christianity

The Great Scramble Europeans started a scramble for territories in Africa The goal was conquest and profit Newly industrialized nations began to compete for raw materials & markets Resources needed for Industrial Revolution: – 1) Diamonds discovered in 1867 – 2) Gold in 1886 – 3) Other resources (rubber, copper, tin)

The Berlin Conference In order to avoid war, the Europeans met in Berlin, Germany European powers represented (no leaders from African nations invited) Purpose: (1) to set up the rules for claiming territories in Africa (2) to prevent war between European powers after the discovery of gold and diamonds in Africa Outcome: All of Africa was partitioned in less than 20 years

Division of Africa Virtually all of Africa was divided among European powers Division lines gave little thought to how different ethnic groups were distributed Put rival African groups in same territory Split up Africans from same tribe into different territories

External forces that enabled European Imperialism in Africa Technological superiority – Maxim gun – 1 st machine gun – RRs and steam engine allowed Europeans to move quickly in establishing & maintaining control – Quinine – cure for malaria

Internal forces that enabled European dominance of Africa Variety of cultures and languages prevented unity among African nations Arguments between African nations over land, water, and trade rights helped Europeans – African tribes could not unite Low level of technology

Exploitation The people and natural resources of Africa were exploited by European imperialists Copper, ivory, rubber, gold, diamonds are examples of the main natural resources of Africa Africans were forced to work in mines under brutal conditions. Africans were beaten and disfigured if they refused to work.

Cash crop plantation system Europeans developed cash-crop plantations - palm oil, cocoa, rubber Land for food grown by African farmers taken by Europeans Europeans also concentrated on mining - copper, tin, gold, diamonds Depleted African soil – farming for food nearly impossible

Tribal meeting

The Boers Dutch settlers – came to Cape of Good Hope in 1650s to set up port for shipping. Took over native lands from Zulu people and developed large farms - plantations. Gold/Diamonds discovered in S. Africa ( ) British took over the Cape Colony from the Boers in the 1800s and the two groups clashed over control of S. Africa

The Boer War When: Where: Dutch republics in So. Africa Who: The Boers – Dutch farmers vs. GB Why: The discovery of gold and diamonds in Southern Africa in 1860s Outcome: The British won at great cost. Organized the Union of South Africa.

The Boer War

Don’t write this down! Americans and other people from around the world volunteered to fight in the Boer War. Although they joined both sides, most fought for the Boers. They believed the Boers were fighting for freedom from British tyrants. One group of 46 Irish Americans from Chicago and Massachusetts caused an international scandal when they deserted their Red Cross unit and took up arms for the Boers. Some would return to Ireland and take up the struggle against GB at home.

Rise of African Nationalism Early 20 th century, African leaders emerged Educated in western schools Respected the ways of west but despised the West’s disrespect of their homeland Eager to introduce Western ideas and institutions into their societies

African Nationalism Recognized that Westerners talked about democracy, equality, and political freedom but did not apply those values in the colonies. Under colonial rule, Africans were excluded from good paying jobs, deprived of their lands, and forced to work on foreign-run plantations or factories.

Discrimination under European rule Even wealthier, middle class Africans could only achieve low level clerical jobs and even then they were paid lower wages than whites who performed the same job.

Growing nationalism Educated Africans admitted the superiority of Western culture, but also had a fierce hatred of colonial rule. Across Africa, native people began to organize political parties and movements to bring an end to foreign rule.

In 1908 Nigerians formed the People’s Union to work for more rights. The Young Senegalese Club was founded in In 1912, South African leaders founded the African National Congress (ANC)