Colonization in sub-Saharan Africa

Jake McHughDasha Hamrick

Frank HightowerWill Pyle

Hannah Javidi

How did colonization begin in Africa south of the Sahara?

In the 15th century, many States, beginning with Portugal, established stations along the west coast of Africa. Their ships were on their way around the Cape of Good Hope to trade for spices and other riches in Asia. Europeans were looking for resources, along with a port along the West African coast.

Who first colonized in this area?The Dutch led the first wave of imperialism in Africa, specifically South Africa. Imperialism first arose after the slave trade became such a profitable business. Through the slave trade, Europeans discovered that Africa could be incredibly profitable if turned into a colony; therefore, European nations, specifically Great Britain and France, began to colonize Africa. This was how imperialism came to be such an incredibly prominent practice in increasing the wealth of a nation.

Who first colonized in this area? Great Britain

Power structures that already existed were mostly left intact.

Local rulers were made representatives of the crown.

France Enforced a direct rule which

led to the expansion of French culture through language, laws, education, etc.

Portugal First to enslave and colonize

and one of the last to grant independence.

Maintained rigid control; raw resource oriented.

Who dominated the region?The Africans who will eventually dominate most of sub-Saharan Africa are tribes from the north speaking Bantu languages.

What conflicts existed as a result?The Europeans’ scramble for sub-Saharan territories created many conflicts between powers in the region. Tensions and conflicts arose between the settlers and the African natives. One of the most noticed violent conflicts was in 1879 between the British empire and the independent Zulu Nation. The bloody war lasted only half a year, and even though the British were outnumbered, their superior technology and war tactics brought the defeat and dissolution of the Zulu kingdom. Zulus were considered third class citizens by the British well into the 20th century.

Sources "Sub-Saharan Africa: European Colonialism." Harper College, Palatine, Il. Web. 26 Apr. 2012. <http://www.harpercollege.edu/mhealy/g101ilec/ssa/afh/afcol/afcolfr.htm>."HISTORY OF AFRICA." HistoryWorld. Web. 26 Apr. 2012. <http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ab24>.Rodrigue, Jean-Paul. "Sub-Saharan Africa." Web.<people.hofstra.edu>.