european imperialism in africa 1800-1914. what is imperialism? powerful nations seek to extend...
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European Imperialism in Africa1800-1914
What is Imperialism?
Powerful nations seek to extend their control or influence over less powerful nations Example: European nations
(powerful) go to African nations (weaker) to gain control the land.
European Motives
Economic
Political
Cultural/Religious
Economic Motives
European nations were going through their Industrial Revolution. Increased production =
increased demand for raw materials Africa was a vast land filled
with opportunity for raw materials.
Industrial nations began looking for new markets. Industrialists wanted
exclusive rights to sell in African markets.
Political Motives
Nationalists (pride and loyalty to one’s nation) argued having colonies increased the strength and prestige of their nations. Example: Great Britain
claimed lands in Africa in order to prevent German and French expansion.
Cultural/Religious Motives
People of the Industrial West thought they had a duty to pass on Western ides and knowledge to the rest of the world.
Some people went to Africa for religious reasons. They thought their religion
was superior, and wanted African to adopt their beliefs.
Christian missionaries supported European colonial governments.
Imperialistic Process
Economic Involvement lead to Political Involvement which led to Eventual Control over the colonies Most European nations used this process to gain
new colonies.
European Claims in Africa“Cutting up pieces of the pie”
Great Britain
Areas Egypt
Gold Coast
Nigeria
South Africa
Resources,Motives Control on the Nile River
region
Cecil Rhodes controlled diamond production in South Africa
Protect a trade route to India
France
Areas West Africa
North Africa
Resources/Motives Wanted to control trade in
this region after the abolition of the slave trade
Increased authority in the Mediterranean.
Germany
Areas South Africa
Resources/Motives Diamonds
Gold
Safeguard raw materials
European Government in Africa
Direct Rule France, Germany
Imperial power controlled all levels of government
Assimilation – people of the colonies would abandon their customs and adopt those of the imperial nation
Indirect Rule Great Britain
British governor and a council of advisors would make colonial laws
Local ruler had some power
African Resistance
Many Africans resisted European rule with military force. Several wars broke out in Africa against several
European nations.
Despite the resistance, Africans were no match for the Europeans. Mainly because the the technology Europeans had.
Benefits and Cost of Imperialism
Benefits New agricultural techniques
were introduced
Medicine
Constructed roads and railroads
Tried to make African products available worldwide
Costs Most Africans did not accept
European customs
European Industry and institutions did not benefit Africans
Led to conflicts between tribes
Millions of Africans were killed during the resistance.