1. Scramble for Africa

2. Imperialism
The policy of extending a nation’s authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations

3. Why Did the Scramble for Africa Begin?
In 1876, King Leopold II of Belgium created the International African Association
This was meant to control the Congo Basin, which was rich in minerals
The Berlin Conference was held in 1884, and decided to let Leopold keep the Congo Basin
However, for future claims, a country must add economic development to any land it occupies

4. Leopold II of Belgium

5. Who Claims What?
Great Britain claims land stretching from Egypt to South Africa
France occupies a lot of west Africa
Germany occupies modern day Tanzania and Namibia
Portuguese occupied Angola and Mozambique
Ethiopia and Liberia remain untouched

6. Liberia

7. Ethiopia

8. Reasons for Imperialism
Nationalism
Pride in one’s own country would result in competition with other countries

9. Racial reasons
Europeans saw themselves as the most advanced civilization and it was their duty to “civilize” people in Africa
It’s during this time that Rudyard Kipling writes “The White Man’s Burden” (1899)
Originally about American take over of Philippines

10. Economic Reasons
Africa had an abundance of raw materials such as copper, cotton, rubber, tea and tin

11. 1913

12. Writing Assignment
Pretend you are a leader in Europe in the late 19th century
Would you agree or disagree with the policy of imperialism in Africa?
Write 10 sentences defending your position