Scramble for Africa

Imperialism The policy of extending a nation’s authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations

Why Did the Scramble for Africa Begin? In 1876, King Leopold II of Belgium created the International African Association This was meant to control the Congo Basin, which was rich in minerals The Berlin Conference was held in 1884, and decided to let Leopold keep the Congo Basin However, for future claims, a country must add economic development to any land it occupies

Leopold II of Belgium

Who Claims What? Great Britain claims land stretching from Egypt to South Africa France occupies a lot of west Africa Germany occupies modern day Tanzania and Namibia Portuguese occupied Angola and Mozambique Ethiopia and Liberia remain untouched

Liberia

Ethiopia

Reasons for Imperialism Nationalism Pride in one’s own country would result in competition with other countries

Racial reasons Europeans saw themselves as the most advanced civilization and it was their duty to “civilize” people in Africa It’s during this time that Rudyard Kipling writes “The White Man’s Burden” (1899) Originally about American take over of Philippines

Economic Reasons Africa had an abundance of raw materials such as copper, cotton, rubber, tea and tin

1913

Writing Assignment Pretend you are a leader in Europe in the late 19th century Would you agree or disagree with the policy of imperialism in Africa? Write 10 sentences defending your position