 European Imperialism in Africa

What is Imperialism?  Powerful nations seek to extend their control or influence over less powerful nations  Example: European nations (powerful) go to African nations (weaker) to gain control the land.

European Motives  Economic  Political  Cultural/Religious

Economic Motives  European nations were going through their Industrial Revolution.  Increased production = increased demand for raw materials  Africa was a vast land filled with opportunity for raw materials.  Industrial nations began looking for new markets.  Industrialists wanted exclusive rights to sell in African markets.

Political Motives  Nationalists (pride and loyalty to one’s nation) argued having colonies increased the strength and prestige of their nations.  Example: Great Britain claimed lands in Africa in order to prevent German and French expansion.

Cultural/Religious Motives  People of the Industrial West thought they had a duty to pass on Western ideas and knowledge to the rest of the world.  Some people went to Africa for religious reasons.  They thought their religion was superior, and wanted African to adopt their beliefs.  Christian missionaries supported European colonial governments.

Imperialistic Process  Economic Involvement lead to Political Involvement which led to Eventual Control over the colonies  Most European nations used this process to gain new colonies.

 European Claims in Africa “Cutting up pieces of the pie”

Great Britain Areas  Egypt  Gold Coast  Nigeria  South Africa Resources,Motives  Control on the Nile River region  Cecil Rhodes controlled diamond production in South Africa  Protect a trade route to India

France Areas  West Africa  North Africa Resources/Motives  Wanted to control trade in this region after the abolition of the slave trade  Increased authority in the Mediterranean.

Germany Areas  South Africa Resources/Motives  Diamonds  Gold  Safeguard raw materials

European Government in Africa Direct Rule  France, Germany  Imperial power controlled all levels of government  Assimilation – people of the colonies would abandon their customs and adopt those of the imperial nation Indirect Rule  Great Britain  British governor and a council of advisors would make colonial laws  Local ruler had some power

African Resistance  Many Africans resisted European rule with military force.  Several wars broke out in Africa against several European nations.  Despite the resistance, Africans were no match for the Europeans.  Mainly because the technology Europeans had.

Benefits and Cost of Imperialism Benefits  New agricultural techniques were introduced  Medicine  Constructed roads and railroads  Tried to make African products available worldwide Costs  Most Africans did not accept European customs  European Industry and institutions did not benefit Africans  Led to conflicts between tribes  Millions of Africans were killed during the resistance.

 Summary Instead of the D,L,I,Q format, ANSWER the following questions in your notes. Write out your answers in complete sentences: 1.What is imperialism? 2.Why were European countries interested in Africa? 3.Which European country had the most colonies in Africa? 4.What is a difference between direct and indirect rule? 5.What was the result of African resistance towards European imperialism? 6.What were the benefits of imperialism on Africa? 7.What were the costs of imperialism on Africa?