1. European Colonization of Africa
October 27, 2014

2. History
Europeans discovered areas south of the Sahara Desert in the early 1400s
They began traveling there regularly to meet with and trade with native Africans
Europeans began seriously exploring the African continent in the 1830s
They eventually decided to begin colonizing the land there – they would control it no matter who lived there

3. Main Causes of Colonialism
There were 3 main reasons why European countries wanted to take over as much land as they could in Africa
Resources: Controlling the source of valuable resources unavailable in Europe.
Strategy: guarding of trade routes, etc.
National Prestige: Who can have the most territory?

4. The Berlin Conference
European powers met in Berlin, Germany beginning in 1884
They laid out rules for taking control of land in Africa
Countries must administer and defend the area to claim it
Many leaders began claiming land immediately

5. “Scramble for Africa” “Scramble for Africa”
European leaders divided the continent as if it were a cake, with little regard for religion, ethnicity, tribal lands, etc.
“Grabbed” land, even if it wasn’t inhabitable

6. The Territories
Britain controlled parts of East and South Africa and Nigeria
France controlled large parts of West Africa
Belgium controlled the Congo Basin
Other countries controlled small parts across the continent

7. Positive Effects of Colonization
Native Africans did receive some benefits from being colonized by European countries
Better transportation with the building of railroads
Better weapons
Better healthcare

8. Negative Effects of Colonization
New diseases killed many native Africans since they did not have immunity to things like the flu
Many natives were forced off of land that they had lived on for generations and others were forced into slavery
Colonization also caused long-lasting effects, such as bad governments, poverty, civil wars, and large debt.
Many of these issues are still problematic for Africa today.

9. Questions
1. When did Europeans discover areas south of the Sahara Desert?
2. When did Europeans begin exploring the African continent?
3. What are the 3 main causes of European colonization?
4. Where did European leaders lay out the rules for colonizing Africa?
5. Which parts of Africa were controlled by Britain?
6. Which parts of Africa were controlled by France?

10. Questions 7. What were the 3 positive effects of colonization?
8. How did new diseases effect native Africans?
9. What are the 4 long-lasting effects of colonization?