1. European Imperialism in Africa
SS7H1:
The student will analyze continuity and change in Africa leading to the 21st century

2. Background:
Colonies in America needed a labor force, so the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade began
Europe became interested in Africa while they were involved in trans-Atlantic slave trade
Slaves were taken from Africa in exchange for weapons and goods, to America in exchange for resources, which went to Europe to make the goods.

3. Slave Trade:

4. More Background… Slave trade ended but the wealth of Africa did not
Competition for power drove Europeans into Africa looking for colonies and raw materials

5. What is Imperialism?
To take control of a foreign territory by establishing colonies for economic gain
An early European plan for Africa was to control areas of Africa to protect transportation routes to their colonies
Nearly all Europeans felt the people in Africa were backward; most knew nothing of the great cultures that were a part of Africa’s past

6. Empires Have Needs!! LAND: More land = More Power RESOURCES:
Africa was rich in resources in some places and fertile for farming in other locations

7. Africa’s Resources:

8. Easy as Pie!!!
The Africans were easily conquered because the Europeans had much more powerful military technology

9. Speaking of Pie….
Africa was essentially carved up into pieces by the powerful European countries:
Britain
France
Germany
Belgium

10. Who had the most control?
Looking at the map, you can see:
England and France control most of the continent

11. Colonial Life in Africa
The British used indirect rule - using African people to help European officials oversee African colonies; mostly they used local chiefs
The French encouraged Africans to become French citizens; the French followed a policy of assimilation (giving up ones own customs and adopting customs of another culture)

12. After World War II World War II weakened the Europeans
Africans realized that colonialism was not equality for all (like Britain treated the Indians)
The Africans fought on the side of Europeans during WW II and now wanted freedom for themselves
Slowly European powers began to liberate their African colonies

13. Long Term Issues
When the Europeans divided Africa into colonies, they had no regard for who lived on what land.
When the Africans gained independence, they kept to the European borders
They split up tribes and kinship groups; tribes fought (and still do) bloody wars trying to get control of their land

14. Let’s Review! Imperialism in Africa:
Causes:
Want for large empire
Want for natural resources
Easy to conquer
Felt Africans were backward and needed help
Effects:
Changed boundaries
Sense of Nationalism
Africans became economically dependent on Europe

15. Pan-African Movement (world-wide movement)
Protests against racism and political oppression led to Pan-Africanism.
They sought to end European control over Africa.
They wanted Africa to become a homeland for ALL people of African descent.
They wanted cultural unity and equality for everyone of African heritage.