Berlin Conference

The Division of Africa Berlin Conference (1884-85): 14 European nations agreed to lay down rules for the division of Africa. No African ruler was invited to this conference. Demand of Raw Materials: Africa was rich in mineral resources like copper and tin in the Congo and gold and diamonds in South Africa. Cash crop plantations for peanuts, palm oil, cocoa, and rubber were also developed.

Berlin Conference 1884 GOALS: to promote the three c’s Commerce Christianity Civilization Ensure Free trade Ensure free navigation on Niger River Agree to rules to divide up Africa

“We have been engaged in drawing lines upon maps where no white man’s foot has ever trod. We have been giving away mountains and rivers and lakes to each other, only hindered by the small impediment that we never knew exactly where the mountains and rivers were.” -British Official

Europeans: Carving up a Continent Who is missing from this picture???

Examples of African Resistance to Imperialism

Primary Source… Nor is violent physical opposition to abuse and injustice henceforth possible for the African in any part of Africa. His chances of effective resistance have been steadily dwindling with the increasing perfectibility in the killing power of modern armament. Thus the African is really helpless against the material gods of the white man, as embodied in the trinity of imperialism, capitalistic exploitation and militarism. Edward Morel, “The Black Man’s Burden” According to this statement, do you think the Africans could overcome the challenges of Imperialism?

Many Africans fought back: “I have listened to your words but can find no reason why I should obey you – I would rather die first… If you desire friendship, then I am ready for it, today and always. But I cannot be your subject. If you desire war, then I am ready.” -Chief Machemba (1890) What do you think happened?

African Resistance Many Africans attempted to resist European imperialism It was difficult for Africans to resist because Europeans had superior weapons More organized armies Unlimited money

“Whatever happens, we have got the Maxim gun, and they have not.” Remember? “Whatever happens, we have got the Maxim gun, and they have not.” When Africans rebelled, Europeans killed thousands of Yao, Zulu, Asante, Shona, Herero, and Maji-Maji people. Ethiopia was the only exception…

African Resistance The Zulu Ethiopia Africans did not passively accept European claims to rule over them. As European troops advanced on African territory, they met stiff resistance. Zulu people resisted colonialization more than 50 years Zulu leader Shaka built strong kingdom by subduing several neighboring peoples 1879, British invaded Zulu territory, annexed kingdom as colony The Zulu Only nation to retain independence by matching European firepower 1889, emperor Menelik II modernized nation, army 1895, Italian forces invaded over treaty dispute Menelik’s forces defeated Italians Ethiopia Even without modern weapons, other Africans still fiercely resisted European powers.

Halie Selassie’s cousin, Emperor Menelik II, had modernized Ethiopia by hiring Europeans to build roads, bridges and schools. He bought weapons from Great Britain to fight the Italian invaders, and defeated the Italians in 1896.

Ethiopia: Successful Resistance Only African nation that was successful in resisting the Europeans Menelik II, leader, played the Italians, French and British against each other. He built a large arsnal of weapons Learned that treaties were not always correct Defeated the Italians in the Battle of Adowa Aim: What challenges did Africans face in an attempt to resist European imperialism? Do Now: Matching

Menelik II Aim: What challenges did Africans face in an attempt to resist European imperialism? Do Now: Matching