1. Empire Building in Africa
World History 10B

2. Competition over Colonies
Rivalries among European nations for control of Africa
Great Britain
France
Germany
Belgium
Italy
Spain
Portugal

3. Colonial Rule in Africa
By 1914 Africa is divided up and owned by different European countries
Exceptions: Liberia, created for freed U.S. slaves, and Ethiopia
Natives that resisted were devastated by superior military force of Europeans

4. Colonial Rule in Africa
Europeans often ruled their territories in Africa with as little effort and expense possible
Indirect rule
Often used by Great Britain
Often, indirect rule backfires
European administrators made all decisions and native authorities served mainly to enforce them
Kept African elite in power
Provided few opportunities for ambitious and talented young Africans from outside ruling elite

5. Colonial Rule in Africa
France primarily controlled their territories through direct rule
French official at the top called governor-general
Governs with the aid of bureaucracy in capital city of the colony
French wanted to assimilate African subjects, not preserve African traditions
Africans could run for office and hold positions in colonial administration, some even went to Paris

6. Rise of African Nationalism
Like in Southeast Asia, a new class of leaders began to emerge in Africa
Educated in colonial schools or in Western nations
Knew a great deal about the West
Admired Western culture, sometimes dislike the ways of their own country
Wanted to introduce Western ideas at home

7. Rise of African Nationalism
BUT, they also resented the foreigners and their arrogance and dislike for African people
Westerners boasted about democracy, equality, political freedom
These values did not exist for natives in the colonies
Native peoples had low-paying jobs
Loss of farmland or employment on plantations or in factories run by foreigners

8. Rise of African Nationalism
Europeans expressed superiority over Africans
Segregated clubs, schools, and churches
Called adult Africans by their first names or “boy”
Educated Africans felt confused
Believed Western culture to be superior
But they hated colonial rule
Want to assert their own nationality and cultural destiny

9. Rise of African Nationalism
First quarter of the 20th century
Resentment turns into action
Native people began organize political parties and movements
Sought an end to colonial rule