1. Imperialism
Definition: Taking over a weaker country and dominating their political, economic and social life.
Why: Europeans wanted to gain more lands to get raw materials

2. Africa before Imperialism
Europeans controlled very little land
Powerful African armies-kept Europeans out.
Europeans could not navigate African rivers until they had steam powered boats
Mainly only Explorers & Missionaries made it to the interior

3. Motives behind Imperialism
Economic: Desire to make money, acquire raw materials
2. Political: Nation’s desire to gain power, compete and boost national pride.

4. Motives (continued)
3. Religious: Desire to spread Christianity and their values & beliefs.
4. Exploratory: Desire to explore the unknown, scientific research, investigate cultures and uncharted lands
5. Ideological: The belief that the white race was superior and other cultures were “primitive.” Belief that Europeans should civilize the people.

5. Factors that enabled Imperialism
Internal Factors: Variety of cultures & languages, low level of technology, fighting between ethnic groups
External Factors: Maxim gun, cure for Malaria, railroads, steamships

6. Scramble for Africa Began in 1880
Countries became more interested after the discovery of diamonds & gold
Led to the Berlin Conference (meeting in )

7. Berlin Conference
14 European nations met to make rules on how to divide Africa.
Goal: avoid war
No African leaders were invited
Decided Africa’s fate
By only Liberia & Ethiopia remained free