Imperialism in North Africa

North Africa North Africa Coast is made up of 4 Muslim States: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia Libya and Egypt.

Algeria Home of the Barbary Pirates ~ French complain about the Barbary Pirates.

Algeria The Algerian Ruler hits the French Consul with a fly swatter. Becomes a national insult to the French and they use it as an excuse to move troops into Algeria.

Algeria Pirates raid and sink merchant ships and give France an excuse to intervene.

Algeria France invades Algeria to stop pirates and finds rich land; export farm products, wine and meat.

Algeria French take over the best land and develop businesses on the Mediterranean.

Morocco Very strategic location Control the Straits of Gibraltar Open to the Mediterranean

Morocco Good for Trade Re-supply Ships Time of War Western border to Algeria France also takes control of Morocco

Competition European rivalries flared in North Africa because of the strategic importance of the countries on the Mediterranean and proximity to Europe. France calls a conference in Algiers with other powers to determine protectorates.

Algiers Conference Spain ----- Spanish Morocco France ------ Algeria, Tunisia Italy -------- Libya Britain -------- Egypt, Cyprus, Sudan Germany ------- Gets Nothing, gets really upset until France gives them Southwest Africa

Tunisia Poor backward nation The leader constantly borrows money and is always in debt. Britain and France both interested in Tunisia They strike a deal and France gets Tunisia, Britain gets island of Cyprus

Tunisia Tunisia situation brings out 2 characteristics of Imperialism: 1. Dangerous rivalry among European Powers 2. Using “loans” and “incidents” to justify adding territories

Tunisia The Suez Canal is sold by Egypt to the British because the Egyptians needed money. The Suez Canal gave the British a short cut for trade from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea in order to reach India faster.

Suez Canal This short cut gives the British a huge advantage over other European powers.

Sub-Sahara Africa

Belgian Congo Explored by Henry Stanley (British Reporter/Explorer) Discovers Dr. David Livingstone in the jungle

Belgian Congo King Leopold II of Belgium annexed this territory as his personal property because he dreamed of controlling a vast African Empire

Belgian Congo Stanley signed treaties with the natives for small gifts, tricking them into giving up their territories to Belgium. When they refused he imposed brutal force to get his way.

Belgian Congo The most valuable resource in the Congo was rubber plants. These plants were harvested on large plantations and sent back to Europe to be used in factories.

Belgian Congo The Belgians set unrealistic quotas for rubber in the Congo. If the Africans were caught stealing, trying to escape or missed their quotas they would have their hands chopped off.

Belgian Congo Belgian Government took control in 1908 because of Leopold’s cruel treatment of the natives

Union of South Africa

Union of South Africa First settled by the Dutch called “Boers” in 1632

Boers Similar to American pioneers  moved inland in covered wagons Known as the “Great Trek”

Boers Fought against the Zulu tribesmen instead of Indians

Boers After gold and diamonds were discovered the British wanted the territory

Boer War The Boer War was significant because it was one of the first European wars fought in separate country and with modern weapons.

Boer War The British prevailed in the Boer War and took control of South Africa.

Cecil Rhodes British Imperialist who became the Prime Minister of the Colony of South Africa. He had a grand plan for British empire throughout the world.

Cecil Rhodes Cecil Rhodes – British Imperialist believed that Britain should control all of Africa “From Cairo to Capetown” He planned to build a railroad across the continent.