European Imperialism 1800-1914. What is Imperialism? A country increases its power by gaining control of other parts of the world. Goal is not to.

European Imperialism1800-1914

What is Imperialism?

A country increases its power by gaining control of other parts of the world.

Goal is not to add land to their country, but to get resources and profit from them.

Occurred globally during this period, but we will focus on Africa. Europe Africa, Asia, NA, SA

Impacted both Africa and Europe

“The Sun Never Set on the British Empire”

The Historical Background in Europe

1. Scientific Revolution: 1400’s- 1800’s Advances in science and technology Better maps, compasses, ships

2. Age of Exploration: 1400’s-1700’s Curiosity about the world outside of Europe Sailed around the world (DeGama, Dias, Columbus) New peoples, new trade routes

3. Industrial Revolution: 1750’s New machines invented/ factory production Need to raw materials/resources for production

(metals, wood, cotton, rubber, sugar, etc.)

Economic Motives

European nations were going through the Industrial Revolution.

Increased production = increased demand for raw materials

Africa was a vast land filled with raw materials.

Industrial nations began looking for new markets (groups of people to sell to)

Industrialists wanted exclusive rights to sell in African markets.

Political Motives

Nationalism (pride and loyalty to one’s nation) was spreading throughout Europe nations.

European nations were trying to become more powerful than each other.

Colonies were viewed as status symbols and sources of $ and power.

Cultural/Religious Motives

Europeans were ethnocentric and believed they had a duty to their culture (religion, language, clothing, etc.) to the rest of the world.

Some people went to Africa for religious reasons. Spread the Christian faith.

European Claims in Africa

Great Britain

Areas East Africa

Gold Coast

Nigeria

Southern 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.

Belgium

Areas Central Africa

“The Congo”

Resources/Motives Mining (copper)

Cotton

Belgium did not have many colonies, but was a particularly violent colonizer.

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. Successful resistance in Ethiopia (Menelik II)

Despite the resistance, most Africans were no match for the Europeans. Europeans had advanced military technology.

Impacts 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.