Imperialism is the policy of extending a nation’s power by taking possession of other lands. Claiming the land gave the nation economic and political control and expanded their empire.

Colonialism is a policy of extending and maintaining control over a foreign land. The colonists brought their language, culture, and laws to the new land.

One of the most famous African explorers was a Scottish doctor and missionary named David Livingstone. He arrived in 1841 and spent more than 30 years exploring Africa.

Livingstone kept a journal where he described the land and people he met. This journal became a best-seller in Europe. After reading his book, European business leaders realized that they could get rich from Africa.

Traders came to get raw materials such as timber and rubber to feed the machines of the Industrial Revolution. Europeans also wanted Africans to buy their goods, so they formed large companies to manage the trades.

To protect their trade, Europeans began to establish colonies and take control of African lands. European countries began to compete with each other to add more land to their colonial empires. This was the start of imperialism.

Check your understanding: Why were the European powers scrambling for control over Africa?

Berlin Conference- European powers met in Berlin to divide African territory. When 14 European nations met in 1884 to divide Africa among themselves, they didn’t ask any Africans how they felt about the European takeovers.

The divisions didn’t take into account physical geography of the continent or the similarities and differences in religions, languages, and ways of life.

The European colonial powers changed life in Africa in a big way. Some Africans accepted these changes, but others fought to keep their lands and their ways of life.

CAUSES: -European nations needed raw materials. -European leaders wanted power and land EFFECTS: -Africans lost their land and independence -Many Africans died resisting Europeans -Africa is still recovering from imperialism

Imperialism is the source of a lot of problems that Africa still faces today. The influence of imperialism has made the development of Africa a challenge.