European Imperialism 1800-1914
Dec 28, 2015
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.