The Scramble for Africa

King Leopold In the 1870s, the Belgian King Leopold sent emissaries to establish trade with native Africans in the Congo. This single act began a flurry of imperialistic activity as the other nations of Europe, including: France, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, got involved

Berlin Conference – 1884-85 To avoid conflict with one another in Africa, European leaders met in Berlin, Germany. With little regard or representation for native Africans, the European powers set about dividing up the land of Africa.

Berlin Conference The following guidelines were set at the conference: Any sovereign (ruling) power which wanted to claim any territory should inform the other powers “in order to ... make good any claim of their own.”

Berlin Conference Treaties with African rulers were to be considered a valid title to sovereignty- (to self-govern) Any such annexation should be validated by effective occupation of at least roads and/or railroads.

By 1900, the only areas of Africa remaining independent were Liberia and Ethiopia.

So what happened to the African Natives once Europeans began establishing colonies? 1. Wars broke out between tribes and colonists 2. Natives forced off lands for farming and roads 3. Natives forced to work for low wages 4. Cash crops instead of basic food needs 5. Lost control of valuable minerals 6. slave trade took away males

Zulu Resistance

The Boers In the 1830s descendants of the original Dutch settlers, now called Boers, (Dutch word for farmer) migrated into the interior of South Africa and began to engage in conflicts with the Zulu.

The Zulu A south African tribe that placed an emphasis on military organization and skill, as established by their  legendary leader Shaka Zulu. Under his rule, the Zulu broadened their land claims throughout southern Africa.

Zulu’s vs. Europe Battles with the Boer settlers continued well into the late 1800s, but never truly threatened Zulu sovereignty. Eventually, the Zulu came into the conflict with the British army as the British expanded their control over southern Africa and invaded the homeland of the Zulu.

Zulu’s vs. Europe (cont.) Despite early victories, the Zulu were eventually defeated by the technology and vast resources at the command of the British troops. Soon, all of southern Africa would come under British control.

Who is Cecil Rhodes? He was instrumental in assuring British dominance of southern Africa. Founded the De Beers Mining Company, eventually controlling 90% of the world’s diamond production. After becoming prime minister of the Cape Colony (now South Africa) in 1890, he used his influence to strengthen British control over the region.

The Master Plan He wanted to build a railroad line that would link British colonies in Africa between Egypt and the Cape Colony in southern Africa.

Boer Reactions The Boers provided heavy and armed resistance to this proposal of a railroad. After authorizing an aggressive invasion of the Boer Republic of Transvaal which ended poorly, Rhodes was removed from office. This sets the stage for the Boer Wars.

Gold Found! Gold is found in Boer Colonies and the British feel that they should have access and control of this due to previous border disputes.

The Boer War 1899-1902 Great Britain vs. the Boers in South Africa The fighting was vicious, with the Boers employing guerilla tactics and the British eventually using 450,000 troops to achieve victory.

Summary of Conflicts Boers (Dutch farmers) fought with the local tribes, the Zulu’s (African tribe) over control of land and local laws British fought with the Boers over control of land in South Africa because of gold deposits found in colonies.

Effects of Imperialism European nations divided Africa up with no regard for traditional tribal boundaries. Africa still suffers from tribalism.

Effects of Imperialism Modern African nations often contain several different tribes that harbor ill feelings towards one another. inter-tribal conflict is a common in Africa often leading to civil wars and power struggles within national governments.