Transcript Ch. 11: The Age of Imperialism Sec. 3: The Scramble for Africa
Unit 3: Industrialization and Nationalism
A. Decentralized; disunity; rich in resources
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Hundreds of different languages Politically diverse-villages to large empires
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Religious differences-traditional, Muslim, Christian B. Early European Contact (late 1400s)
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Coastal-rugged geography and hostile people
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slave trade (West)
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salt trade (North) trading posts (South)
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by 1880-only 10% under European control (not in interior)
A. Interior
realm of missionaries and explorers
African “mystique” sparked interest in publications
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1870s-Henry Stanley’s search for Dr. David Livingstone (well-publicized)
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opened Congo to European interest B. Belgium est. control over Congo (1880)
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Leopold II uses humanitarian front (end slavery) to mask exploitation of Africans
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Rubber plantations drained economy
led to starvation
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Belgium’s wealth encouraged other European nations to compete for African “pie”
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Industrial Revolution resources and markets Nationalism -colonies increased nation’s prestige Racism -belief in European/white racial superiority
Social Darwinism
(strongest races survive) Missionary zeal to “Christianize” the heathen Technological/ Scientific Advancements technology superiority (esp. in weaponry)
transportation (opened up continent to European control)
medical advancements (quinine) African disunity
A. Berlin Conference (1884-85)
Europe meets to divide Africa “fairly”
Guidelines for control
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if you can show a “just” claim
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if you can hold it
By 1914-only Liberia and Ethiopia NOT under European control B. Benefit to Europe
Natural Resources -gold, diamonds, rubber, copper, tin, agri. products
Dutch (Boers) settled Cape Town (South Africa) in 1600s as trading base
British-moved in Cape colony in 1800s 1. Boers escaped northward-“The Great Trek” 2. Were pushed into Zulus
conflict
Discovery of gold and diamonds increased European immigration 1. Boers tried to limit newcomers’ influence; blamed British
Fierce fighting breaks out; concentration camps; guerilla fighting; innocent civilians killed
“modern war” foreshadowed future horrors
Britain won and est. Union of So. Africa (under British control)
1. The Zulu Wars -1879
British invade Zulu Territory and conquer this powerful tribe in 6 months; made them a colony
2. French West Africa
Malinke tribe wages war against French control in Guinea for 15 yrs; finally defeated in 1898
3. German East Africa
Maji Maji Rebellion (1905): Africans believe that spirits will protect them in rebellion against Germans; tens of thousands killed before uprising is squelched
Emperor Menelik II took steps to modernize Ethiopia 1895- Italy invades Ethiopia over treaty dispute Menelik’s modern army able to defeat Italians in less than a year
Menelik II
Causes:
European nations needed raw materials European powers wanted power & land Europeans strongly influenced by Social Darwinism
Effects:
Africans lost their land and independence Many Africans died resisting the Europeans