The Age of Imperialism Africa

What is Imperialism? Imperialism: a stronger nation takes over a weaker nation or territory. To take or take over The stronger nation tries to dominate the political, social and economic life of the weaker region. The weaker nation becomes a colony of the stronger nation. The Industrial Rev. encouraged Imperialism due to the need for natural resources

Colonized vs. Colonizers The Europeans colonized much of the world between 1850-1914 “BIG FEPS” -B: Belgium -I: Italy -G: Germany -F: France -E: England -P: Portugal -S: Spain

Colonized vs. Colonizers cont. Africa & Asia were targeted areas of the world The Europeans thought they were helping, but really they were taking advantage. The Europeans were looking for natural resources and labor

Africa Before Imperialism Africa was unknown to the Europeans due to a lack of exploration. Belgium was the first European country to take over a part of Africa- The Congo The Congo had rubber trees that were valuable. After Belgium found riches in the Congo, other European nations wanted the same… the scramble began!

King Leopold II, Belgium Imperialized the Congo Very harsh ruler Used forced labor upon the Congolese to take rubber and ivory Estimates claim-3 million natives died Had Congo rulers cut off hands to account for every bullet used

What Made Imperialism Possible? The Europeans believed they were better- Racism! Social Darwinism- Survival of the Fittest Desire for natural resources (diamonds, etc.) Desire for free slave labor Maxim machine gun Wanted to “Westernize” & “Christianize” *New Vaccines to fight diseases

Kimberley Diamond Mine South Africa, 1870’s Largest hand-dug diamond mine in the world Cheap native labor used by the De Beers mining company (still around today) 660 feet deep Yielded 3 tons of diamonds Closed in 1914

Berlin Conference 1884-85 Competition over territory in Africa was fierce. 14 Europeans nations met in Berlin to figure out rules for dividing up Africa. No African leaders invited! Goal: To avoid a war between colonizers Rules: 1.You had to notify other nations that you were controlling that territory. 2. You had to be able to control the territory.