Imperialism

What is Imperialism?Seizure (taking) of a country or territory by a stronger nation.

“Empire Building”

European nations looked to Africa to feed their industrial production.

Industrialization needs —> Raw Materials!

Africa Before Imperialism• Very diverse area: 2,000+ languages spoken

• Many forms of government and ethnic groups.

• European presence only on the coast, until steam power allowed them to travel to the interior.

Belgium’s Congo

• Late 1800s Belgium signs treaties to gain control of lands in the Congo.

• King Leopold II allowed exploitation of African people.

• Extracting rubber tree sap.

• 10 million Congolese died during his reign.

Forces Driving Imperialism

• Belief in superiority (being better than another).

• Racism: One race is believed to be superior to another.

• Social Darwinism: Survival of the fittest; the strong will survive.

• Non-Europeans seen as culturally/physically inferior. Didn't make the scientific advancements Europeans did.

Clash Over South Africa• Zulus vs the British: Zulus led by Shaka were very powerful.

• His successors were weak, British invaded took over in 1887.

• Boer War: Dutch settlers (Boers) fought British over land and slaves.

• 1st modern “total” war: Use of concentration camps, commando raids, guerrilla tactics.