African Imperialism

Imperialism Defined nation's authority The policy of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations. What do you think will happen as a result?

Africa Before the 1800’s Africa was called “the Dark Continent”, because little was known about it. Europe had just left the Industrial Revolution, the most prolific age of development the world had ever known. What does a nation need to industrialize? Raw materials, and Africa was new and mysterious.

Story of Mansa Musu Page from a medieval book from France that tells the story of Mansa Masu, king of Mali, the richest kingdom in the world

Mansa’s story He was a Muslim, who lived in the kingdom of Mali, during the 1300s. What are Muslims required to do at least once in their lives? On his Hajj, he took over 10,000 servants, all carrying chests filled with gold, and gave it away to the poor (also one of the 5 pillars). He gave away so much gold, that its value was cut in half for 10 years! Not just in Africa, but the entire world! Why would such a story intrigue Europeans during the 1800s?

Stanley and Livingstone Africa was almost completely uncharted all the way into the 1860s. This all changed with the famous explorers Stanley and Livingstone, who charted much of Central Africa, including the extensive river systems of central Africa. What would these rivers provide?

Berlin Conference As reports came in, Europeans scrabbled to get a part of Africa. In 1885, 14 nations meet in Berlin to divide Africa. By % of Africa was controlled by European nations, and for the first time political boundaries were created in Africa. What do think happened? What do you think the Europeans were hoping to gain?

Africa Divided! Which areas offer the best strategical locations? Why?

North Africa The French – settled in Algeria by sending in 100,000 troops to suppress rebellion. They were also able to conquer neighboring Tunis, and establish special rights in Morocco. Britain- Egypt became a British protectorate after they suppressed a revolt led by Egyptian nationalists in The Sudan became a hotbed of activity as both France and England claimed rights. This came to the brink of war at Fashoda, when France backed down after the British recognized French control in Morocco. Why is Egypt so important? Suez Canal connected the Red and Med. Seas

West Africa West Africa- was almost entirely dominated by either British or French influence. African forces fought bravely, but were no match against the well trained armies of the Europeans. Only Liberia retained its independence, because of its close ties to the U.S. (settled by free African Americans)

Central Africa Central Africa- Central Africa was dominated by King Leopold II of Belgium, his exploits were so brutal that the rest of the world spoke out against the injustices that were taking place. Stanley was used to chart and set up routes for raw materials along the Congo River

East Africa East Africa- Most was dominated by the British, Germans and Italians, however, King Menelik II of Ethiopia led a well trained army against the Italians and humiliated them. As a result, no other European nation attacked them again during the Age of Imperialism Unfortunately, the Italians never forgot the humiliating loss, and went back in the 1930’s with modern weapons, including biological, and killed 100s of thousands of people.

Southern Africa In southern Africa, 3 forces clashed for control of the region. 1)The Afrikaners- (also called Boers) Dutch settlers who left Holland in the 1600’s and called Cape Colony their home. 2) the British, who had acquired Cape Colony during the Napoleonic Wars, established the laws and were resented by the Afrikaners, because the British outlawed slavery, and 3) The Zulu, a tribe of African warriors who were trying to establish an empire of their own. At first the Zulu had victory under the leadership of Shaka, but were eventually destroyed by superior British forces. In 1899, the Boers and the British went to war. The Anglo-Boer War lasted for 3 years, and was eventually won by the British, who would then take control of the region.

Effects of Imperialism Many of Africa’s resources were depleted European’s established schools that taught European customs, so in many cases African traditions declined, as colonial officials discouraged them. Africa was left with high debt. They were never taught how to function in the modern world, and as a result, have never recovered.