Empire Building in Africa World History 10B

Competition over Colonies Rivalries among European nations for control of Africa Great Britain France Germany Belgium Italy Spain Portugal

Colonial Rule in Africa By 1914 Africa is divided up and owned by different European countries Exceptions: Liberia, created for freed U.S. slaves, and Ethiopia Natives that resisted were devastated by superior military force of Europeans

Colonial Rule in Africa Europeans often ruled their territories in Africa with as little effort and expense possible Indirect rule Often used by Great Britain Often, indirect rule backfires European administrators made all decisions and native authorities served mainly to enforce them Kept African elite in power Provided few opportunities for ambitious and talented young Africans from outside ruling elite

Colonial Rule in Africa France primarily controlled their territories through direct rule French official at the top called governor-general Governs with the aid of bureaucracy in capital city of the colony French wanted to assimilate African subjects, not preserve African traditions Africans could run for office and hold positions in colonial administration, some even went to Paris

Rise of African Nationalism Like in Southeast Asia, a new class of leaders began to emerge in Africa Educated in colonial schools or in Western nations Knew a great deal about the West Admired Western culture, sometimes dislike the ways of their own country Wanted to introduce Western ideas at home

Rise of African Nationalism BUT, they also resented the foreigners and their arrogance and dislike for African people Westerners boasted about democracy, equality, political freedom These values did not exist for natives in the colonies Native peoples had low-paying jobs Loss of farmland or employment on plantations or in factories run by foreigners

Rise of African Nationalism Europeans expressed superiority over Africans Segregated clubs, schools, and churches Called adult Africans by their first names or “boy” Educated Africans felt confused Believed Western culture to be superior But they hated colonial rule Want to assert their own nationality and cultural destiny

Rise of African Nationalism First quarter of the 20th century Resentment turns into action Native people began organize political parties and movements Sought an end to colonial rule