Age of Imperialism Scramble for Africa Student Assignment

Age of Imperialism Scramble for Africa Student Assignment Learning Target: I can IDENTIFY motivations for Imperialism by industrialized nations during the late 1800 s and early 1900 s. I know it when: I can define the term "imperialism" and locate colonial possessions around the globe. I am learning this because: Today many nations still have unresolved problems dating back to the Age of Imperialism including some artificial borders and Third World concerns.

Part 1: Important Vocabulary Terms Directions: Use pages 685 -688 to define the terms below. place the definitions next to the term. Imperialism: Social Darwinism: Berlin Conference: Use your text tool to

Part 2: Africa Before Imperialism Directions: Read the section titled Africa Before Imperialism on page 685 in your textbook. List important facts about Africa before European Imperialism in the boxes below based on what you read in the section. Ethnic Groups Languages Spoken Religions Military Forces Interaction with Europe Trade

Part 3: The Berlin Conference Directions: Read the passage below about the “Berlin Conference” that divided up Africa. As you read answer the questions on the right-hand side of the slide. In 1884 at the request of Portugal, German chancellor Otto von Bismarck called together the major western powers of the world to negotiate questions and end confusion over the control of Africa. Bismarck appreciated the opportunity to expand Germany's sphere of influence over Africa and desired to force Germany's rivals to struggle with one another for territory. Other European leaders wished to avoid warfare between European rivals over African territory. At the time of the conference, 80% of Africa remained under traditional and local control. What ultimately resulted was a hodgepodge of geometric boundaries that divided Africa into fifty irregular countries. This new map of the continent was superimposed over the one thousand indigenous cultures and regions of Africa. The new countries lacked rhyme or reason and divided coherent groups of people and merged together disparate groups who really did not get along. 1. Which European leader organized the Berlin Conference? What country did he represent? 2. Why did most European leaders attend the Berlin Conference? 3. What were the problems associated with how the Europeans divided up Africa during the Berlin Conference.

Part 3: The Berlin Conference Directions: Read the passage below about the “Berlin Conference” that divided up Africa. As you read answer the questions on the right-hand side of the slide. Fourteen countries were represented by a plethora of ambassadors when the conference opened in Berlin on November 15, 1884. The countries represented at the time included Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway (unified from 1814 -1905), Turkey, and the United States of America. Of these fourteen nations, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Portugal were the major players in the conference, controlling most of colonial Africa at the time. The initial task of the conference was to agree that the Congo River and Niger River mouths and basins would be considered neutral and open to trade. Despite its neutrality, part of the Congo Basin became a personal kingdom for Belgium's King Leopold II and under his rule, over half of the region's population died. 4. How many countries attended the Berlin Conference? List 10 of them. 5. Why do you think the European powers wanted to leave the Congo and Niger River Basins “neutral? ” 6. Who was Leopold II?

Part 4: African Geography After the Berlin Conference Directions: Look at the map of Africa drawn at the Berlin Conference below. the questions using the map. Answer 7. Which European nations claimed parts of Africa after the Berlin Conference? 8. Which European nation controlled the Congo? 9. Which European nation controlled South Africa?

Part 4: African Geography After the Berlin Conference Directions: Look at the map of Africa drawn at the Berlin Conference below. the questions using the map. Answer 10. Which European nation controlled Somaliland & Libya? 11. Which European nation controlled Rio de Oro? 12. Which European nation controlled Egypt?

Part 4: African Geography After the Berlin Conference Directions: Look at the map of Africa drawn at the Berlin Conference below. the questions using the map. Answer 13. Which European nation controlled parts of East Africa? 14. Which European nation controlled Madagascar? 15. Which European nation controlled Liberia?

Part 5: Analyzing Political Cartoons Directions: Exam each of the political cartoons below. Be sure to also read the captions. Answer the short response question based on your analysis. Cartoon #2: This famous cartoon depicts English -born Cecil Rhodes striding over the African continent. The views of Rhodes, and many other imperialists, were summed up in his declaration, “I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race. ” Answer the short response question below: What can you infer about Europeans’ attitudes toward Africans from the two political cartoons? Be sure to explain. Cartoon #1: French commentary on the Berlin Conference of 1884 -1885: Otto von Bismarck, then Chancellor of Germany, is portrayed here wielding a knife over a sliced up cake, marked 'Africa'. His fellow delegates seated around the table look on aghast.