1. Scramble for Africa & the Berlin Conference
( )

2. Basics of Imperialism
Imperialism – domination of another country/region economically, politically, and socially
Colony – territory that a foreign power rules directly (direct officials)
Protectorate – territory with own gov., but guided by foreign power
Sphere of Influence – territory in which an imperial power has exclusive investment/ trading rights

3. Motivations for Imperialism
Political Rivalries/Competition
*New Markets/Trading Routes/Resources*
Religion
Racism

4. Africa Before 1884 1000+ languages Many Religions
Indigenous, Islam, Christianity, Shamanism, Animism
Great empires and small villages

5. Africa Before 1884 (cont.) Europeans stick to coastline
Portuguese, Dutch, France, Britain
Interior remains “unexplored”
Curiosity excites Europe
David Livingstone (UK)
Henry Stanley (UK)

6. Early Trade Systems Europeans provide sugar, alcohol, and firearms
Africans provide labor (slaves), ivory, gold
1967- Diamonds are discovered
Slave trade reversal

7. Rising Tensions Resources and Competition
Free for all land grab
Fuel Industrialization = progress
New countries want in
Belgium & Germany

8. Why Africa?

9. Why Africa? Resources White Man’s Burden
Gold, diamonds, timber, land, labor, trade routes/markets, iron, copper, coal, ivory, oils, rubber, cotton, cacao beans
Fuel industrialization
White Man’s Burden
To civilize

10. Simulation
You will be placed into a group in which you will represent one of the imperial powers of the 19th century.
Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Belgium
Assign one group member to be the diplomat
- person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy (interact) with another state
Write your country (top center) and your group members’ names (top right) on a blank sheet of paper

12. Geography of Africa

13. (Use the provided map to help with your decisions?)
Simulation (cont.)
Prioritize what your country wants MOST from the land you are looking to gain. List from most to least.
(Use the provided map to help with your decisions?)
Land? Ports? Islands?
Resources (specific)?
Gain knowledge?
Spread Religion?
Anything else?

14. Land Claim One
Based on the size of your empires, you will be able to choose your territories(not the entire continent).
We will go in order. You have one minute to decide what and where you would like to claim.
Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Belgium
It is ok if claims overlap between groups

15. Land Claim Two
Some European countries are very frustrated with their claims. In order to prevent aggressive actions amongst the countries of Europe…
You must work together to ensure that there is no overlap
Trade, bargain, change borders, but keep in mind the ultimate goal for your country.

16. Debrief
How well do you think your country did? Were you able to get the land you wanted?
What difficulties did your group face with this land grab simulation?
What are some better solutions for dividing the territories?

17. Looking at where you have decided to claim land, let’s look at where the ethnic boundaries lie.
What can you infer will happen to these native groups?

18. So What Happened?
Met in Germany to decide how to divide Africa into colonies and territories

19. Berlin Conference

20. Berlin Conference Called by King Leopold II of Belgium
Berlin, Germany
Nov Nov. 1885
Rising Tensions in Africa
Gathering of European leaders to decide how to divide Africa
“Great African Cake”

21. The Players Britain France Germany Portugal Spain Italy Belgium
Holland
Who is missing?

23. Cecil Rhodes English Businessman Founder of De Beers
State of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Bostwana)
Cape to Cairo “Red Line”

27. Principle of Effectivity
Powers could hold colonies only if they actually possessed them
treaties with local leaders
flew their flag
established a police force to maintain order
Colonial power also had to make use of the colony economically
If not done, another power could do so and take over the territory

28. Europe’s Interactions with Africa
Europe is much more “civilized”; it is their job to show Africa how to speak and behave White Man’s Burden
Take control of resource deposits
Colonies soon began making economic decisions for the tribes
Eventually, colonies oversee politics as well

29. Interactions (cont.) Low wages
Mines, plantations, factories, ports, Suez Canal
“Not slavery”
Low wages
But taxed
Workers often separated from home/family
Similar to sharecropping system in the U.S.

30. In Summary Berlin, Germany No Africans present
No Africans present
“If you can establish control, its yours”
Africa gets caught in the Dependency Theory  economically
Eliminates African self-governance
Excluding Ethiopia

31. Outcomes
Colonies consisted of various ethnic groups; some hostile to each other
Lose self-governance and control of homeland
Families separated/move from home
Linear Development (RR’s & economy)
Adopt a blend of European and African culture
Creates roots to WWI

33. Long Term Effects Violence European languages and cultures last
Resources depleted to Europeans (still lots of resources)
Brain Drain Theory becomes problem (20th century)
Violence
WWI
20th and 21st c. rebellions across continent
Nationalist groups