1. The Age of Imperialism
Africa

2. What is Imperialism?
Imperialism: a stronger nation takes over a weaker nation or territory.
To take or take over
The stronger nation tries to dominate the political, social and economic life of the weaker region.
The weaker nation becomes a colony of the stronger nation.
The Industrial Rev. encouraged Imperialism due to the need for natural resources

3. Colonized vs. Colonizers
The Europeans colonized much of the world between
“BIG FEPS”
-B: Belgium
-I: Italy
-G: Germany
-F: France
-E: England
-P: Portugal
-S: Spain

4. Colonized vs. Colonizers cont.
Africa & Asia were targeted areas of the world
The Europeans thought they were helping, but really they were taking advantage.
The Europeans were looking for natural resources and labor

5. Africa Before Imperialism
Africa was unknown to the Europeans due to a lack of exploration.
Belgium was the first European country to take over a part of Africa- The Congo
The Congo had rubber trees that were valuable.
After Belgium found riches in the Congo, other European nations wanted the same… the scramble began!

6. King Leopold II, Belgium
Imperialized the Congo
Very harsh ruler
Used forced labor upon the Congolese to take rubber and ivory
Estimates claim-3 million natives died
Had Congo rulers cut off hands to account for every bullet used

7. What Made Imperialism Possible?
The Europeans believed they were better- Racism!
Social Darwinism- Survival of the Fittest
Desire for natural resources (diamonds, etc.)
Desire for free slave labor
Maxim machine gun
Wanted to “Westernize” & “Christianize”
*New Vaccines to fight diseases

8. Kimberley Diamond Mine South Africa, 1870’s
Largest hand-dug diamond mine in the world
Cheap native labor used by the De Beers mining company (still around today)
660 feet deep
Yielded 3 tons of diamonds
Closed in 1914

9. Berlin Conference
Competition over territory in Africa was fierce.
14 Europeans nations met in Berlin to figure out rules for dividing up Africa.
No African leaders invited!
Goal: To avoid a war between colonizers
Rules:
1.You had to notify other nations that you were controlling that territory.
2. You had to be able to control the territory.