Imperialism in Africa Modern World History Ms. Galvin and Ms. Corcoran Chapter 11

Imperialism Imperialism is when a stronger country takes over a weaker country. Imperialism is when a stronger country takes over a weaker country. The stronger country then takes political, economic, and social control over the colony The stronger country then takes political, economic, and social control over the colony

Africa Before European Domination Before the 1800s and European domination: Before the 1800s and European domination: Many different ethnicities and languages.Many different ethnicities and languages. Many different religions (Christianity, Islam, local religions)Many different religions (Christianity, Islam, local religions) Large empires and small villagesLarge empires and small villages

African Trade (15 th c.-17 th c.)

Factors Preventing European Expansion in Africa (before 1800s) Powerful African Armies Powerful African Armies Difficult rivers Difficult rivers Disease Disease African traders brought slaves to the Europeans on the coast African traders brought slaves to the Europeans on the coast

Forces Driving Imperialism Industrial Revolution Raw Materials New Markets European Nationalism Missionary Activity European Racism Social Darwinism “White Man’s Burden” End Slavery “Civilize” others

The Scramble for Africa Begins Europeans REALLY started to compete for Africa starting in the 1880s Europeans REALLY started to compete for Africa starting in the 1880s Europeans wanted raw materials: Europeans wanted raw materials: gold and diamondsgold and diamonds rubberrubber tin and coppertin and copper

The Berlin Conference, European countries 14 European countries Set up the rules for dividing Africa to avoid war between Europeans Set up the rules for dividing Africa to avoid war between Europeans No African leaders were included. No African leaders were included.

Leopold II and the Belgian Congo King Leopold II got control of the Congo in the 1880s King Leopold II got control of the Congo in the 1880s Claimed he was trying to end the slave trade and spread Christianity Claimed he was trying to end the slave trade and spread Christianity In reality, he took control of the rubber trade to make money. In reality, he took control of the rubber trade to make money. 80x larger than Belgium!

The Rubber Trade Harvesting Rubber A Worker Being Punished Victims of Belgian Imperialism

At least 10 million dead… American missionary, Joseph Clark said of the Congo: American missionary, Joseph Clark said of the Congo: It is blood-curdling to see them (the soldiers) returning with the hands of the slain, and to find the hands of young children amongst the bigger ones evidencing their bravery...The rubber from this district has cost hundreds of lives, and the scenes I have witnessed, while unable to help the oppressed, have been almost enough to make me wish I were dead... This rubber traffic is steeped in blood, and if the natives were to rise and sweep every white person on the Upper Congo into eternity, there would still be left a fearful balance to their credit.

From Punch magazine, 1906

The Struggle for South Africa In South Africa there was conflict between native Africans, Dutch settlers, and the British In South Africa there was conflict between native Africans, Dutch settlers, and the British The Zulus controlled most of southern Africa, but were conquered by the British in The Zulus controlled most of southern Africa, but were conquered by the British in 1887.

The Boers The Dutch first settled in South Africa in the 1600s The Dutch first settled in South Africa in the 1600s The Dutch settlers became known as the Boers. They are also known as Afrikaners. The Dutch settlers became known as the Boers. They are also known as Afrikaners. The Dutch established large farms and used slave labor. The Dutch established large farms and used slave labor. The British took over and outlawed slavery. The Boers were unhappy. The British took over and outlawed slavery. The Boers were unhappy.

The Road to the Boer War Boers moved north to escape the British. Boers moved north to escape the British. Gold and diamonds were discovered on their new land and the British moved in. Gold and diamonds were discovered on their new land and the British moved in. Boers declared war against Britain in Boers declared war against Britain in 1899.

Boer War, Both sides used “dirty” tactics Both sides used “dirty” tactics Britain won Britain won The Boer republics became part of the Union of South Africa with some home rule. The Boer republics became part of the Union of South Africa with some home rule.

African Resistance Algeria fought against the French for almost 50 years Algeria fought against the French for almost 50 years Samori Touré led resistance against French in West Africa for 16 years. Samori Touré led resistance against French in West Africa for 16 years.

The Maji-Maji Rebellion Took place in German- controlled East Africa Took place in German- controlled East Africa The Native population upset about being forced to grow cash-crops The Native population upset about being forced to grow cash-crops In the early 1900s, a religious belief spread that magic water could stop German bullets In the early 1900s, a religious belief spread that magic water could stop German bullets 20 different groups fought the Germans 20 different groups fought the Germans The fighting and famine killed thousands The fighting and famine killed thousands

Ethiopia Succeeds! Menelik II ruled Ethiopia from Menelik II ruled Ethiopia from Italians, French, British all wanted to control Ethiopia  Menelik used this to his advantage Italians, French, British all wanted to control Ethiopia  Menelik used this to his advantage Bought modern weapons from France and Russia Bought modern weapons from France and Russia After Italy tried to “trick” Menelik, he declared war against them. After Italy tried to “trick” Menelik, he declared war against them. Ethiopia defeated Italy in Ethiopia defeated Italy in Ethiopia remained independent. Ethiopia remained independent.

Negative Effects of Imperialism Africans lost land and independence Africans lost land and independence Death through disease, famine, and resistance Death through disease, famine, and resistance Famine created by focus on cash-crops Famine created by focus on cash-crops Traditional cultures destroyed Traditional cultures destroyed Division of continent with artificial boundaries Division of continent with artificial boundaries Many modern conflicts are connected to thisMany modern conflicts are connected to this

Positive Effects of Imperialism Reduced local fighting Reduced local fighting Humanitarian efforts Humanitarian efforts Improved sanitationImproved sanitation Built hospitalsBuilt hospitals Increased educationIncreased education Economic growth Economic growth New Technology New Technology Railroads, dams, telephone and telegraphRailroads, dams, telephone and telegraph