SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICANationalism & Imperialism

Imperialism The policy of extending a

nation’s authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations

Why Did the Scramble for Africa Begin? In 1876, King Leopold II of Belgium

created the International African Association

This was meant to control the Congo Basin, which was rich in minerals

The Berlin Conference was held in 1884, and decided to let Leopold keep the Congo Basin For future claims a country must add

economic development to any land it occupies

Leopold II

European Claims to Land Great Britain claims land stretching

from Egypt to South Africa France occupies a lot of west Africa Germany occupies modern day

Tanzania and Namibia Portugal occupied Angola and

Mozambique Ethiopia and Liberia remain

untouched

Liberia

Ethiopia

Reasons for Imperialism

Nationalism Pride in one’s own country

would result in competition with other countries

Racism Europeans saw

themselves as the most advanced civilization and it was their duty to “civilize” people in Africa

It’s during this time that Rudyard Kipling writes “The White Man’s Burden” (1899) Originally about American take

over of Philippines Justifies policy of Imperialism

as a noble policy

Resources Africa had an abundance of raw

materials such as: Copper Cotton Rubber Tea Tin

Religion

Africa 1913

Writing Assignment Pretend you are a leader in Europe in the

late 19th century Would you agree or disagree with the

policy of imperialism in Africa? Write 10 sentences defending your

position