1. Warm Up – The Size of Africa
Why would European countries want to control Africa?
About how big do you think Africa is compared to America?
(After seeing 2nd map) – how many continents/countries fit in Africa?
Note – use transition to bring up 2nd map of Africa for #3. 1) Its vast natural resources. 2) Open to student opinion. 3) 12+

3. Definition:
The conquering of foreign territories by powerful countries for natural resources & markets

4. Colony – Ruled directly by a foreign power
Protectorate – Controlled by foreign power
Sphere of Influence - Foreign power gets exclusive rights

5. Over 1,000 languages & groups
Kept Europeans out for years
Mostly only missionaries who explore the interior

6. King Leopold of Belgium hires explorer David Stanley to explore & claim the Congo
Treaties made with local chiefs along the Congo River
Companies brutally exploit Africans to collect rubber
Other countries take note of Africa’s natural resources

7. Europeans fear war over claims
14 European nations meet in for the Berlin Conference
Africa divided without any regard for people there

9. Europeans & Americans believed it was their responsibility to:
Spread Christianity
Civilize & educate other nations
End the slave trade
© Students of History -

10. Shaka led the Zulus against British rule in early 1800’s
The Boer War was fought between Dutch settlers & the British in South Africa (1890s)
Emperor Menelik II successfully defended Ethiopia against invasion (1896)
Image: Title: Through Veld and Forest: An African Story Author: Harry Collingwood Illustrator: Arch. Webb published 1898 Zulu warriors

11. The Dutch East India Company controls trade in Southeast Asia
Japan was ruled by powerful Shoguns who wished to keep foreign influences out of their country.

12. Weakened the Qing dynasty and forced China to trade with the world
China fought the Opium Wars against England in mid-1800’s over the British opium trade
Weakened the Qing dynasty and forced China to trade with the world
Image: British bombardment of Canton from the surrounding heights, May 1841

13. Japan forced open by the US in 1853 after centuries of isolation
Japan was ruled by powerful Shoguns who wished to keep foreign influences out of their country.
For more info, see the great MIT site “Black Ships & Samurai” -
Japan was ruled by powerful Shoguns who wished to keep foreign influences out of their country.

14. The United States is late to claims due to its Civil War
Fights Spain for control of the Philippines
Annexes Hawaii in despite resistance from Queen Liliuokalani
Image: Queen Liliuokalani circa 1891

15. British East India Company dominates trade
Uses “sepoys” or Indian soldiers
Becomes the “Jewel in the Crown” for the wealth it brings
Image: Peter Till Gallery, London Arts

16. Crimean War – Russia vs. Ottomans for control of the Red Sea
Sepoy Rebellion in India (1857) over their treatment
Boxer Rebellion in China over foreign influence (1899)
Image: Lieutenant William Alexander Kerr, 24th Bombay Native Infantry, winning the Victoria Cross near Kolapore, July Oil on canvas by Chevalier Louis-William Desanges, c

17. The “Sun never set on the British Empire”
Nationalism grows in conquered regions
Rivalries develop that create tension among Europeans

18. Explain the cartoonist’s view of England as an Imperialism power.
Exit Ticket
Explain the cartoonist’s view of England as an Imperialism power.
The cartoonist shows how England was snatching up territory across the globe (Canada, India, Egypt, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Ireland, etc.