Imperialism Scramble for Africa

Imperialism Definition: System of building foreign empires for military and trade advantages Colonizer- Europeans Colonized- Africans, Asians, and Native Americans

Why explore? Gold- to gain wealth Glory- to become famous God- to spread Christianity

Trade Trade and trade routes became very important. Controlling markets was extremely competitive since it could be very profitable. Two examples: Portugal- Prince Henry the Navigator Spain- Christopher Columbus

Portugal- Prince Henry the Navigator Portugal wanted an easier trade route to Asia. Under his guidance, Portuguese sailors explored the west coast of Africa and eventually developed new trade routes by sailing south around the continent of Africa to Asia. He also set up a navigation school.

It all started with Africa

Africa before the Europeans stepped in… Multiple religions/languages Variety of governmental systems established Trading system with Europeans and Muslims

Europeans step in… TECHNOLOGY allowed the Europeans to go deeper into Africa. EXPLORERS went into Africa first—faced many hardships… They were followed by MISSIONARIES

The “Scramble” for Africa Belgium started to explore and make trade agreements with African leaders. This set off a SCRAMBLE by other European nations. Before long, Britain, France, and Germany were scrambling to make claims in the region.

Berlin Conference 1884: European countries met to discuss how to divide Africa. (No Africans were invited to attend) Results: Belgium took the Congo Any European power who wanted to claim a part of Africa had to set up a government office there first. Impact: Within 25 ( ) years almost every part of Africa was under European control. They redrew the map of Africa with little regard for traditional patterns of settlement or ethnic boundaries

Asia Many Asian territories saw a change from Europe as trading partner to Europe as conqueror. Great Britain took control of India and Australia and fought over control of Burma, Laos, Siam, and Cambodia. France controlled lands in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

Impacts of Imperialism During the 19 th century, factories in Europe required raw materials to manufacture finished products. The Europeans looked for new sources of raw materials and markets for their goods. Gold, diamonds, and oil were some of the resources the Europeans wanted. Asia and Africa had those resources. Trade with their colonies around the world brought European nations great wealth and power. Sadly, the Europeans often destroyed the local cultures in the lands they claimed.