Empire Building in Africa World History 10 B

Competition over Colonies • Rivalries among European nations for control of Africa – Great Britain – France – Germany – Belgium – Italy – Spain – Portugal

Colonial Rule in Africa • By 1914 Africa is divided up and owned by different European countries – Exceptions: Liberia, created for freed U. S. slaves, and Ethiopia • Natives that resisted were devastated by superior military force of Europeans

Colonial Rule in Africa • Europeans often ruled their territories in Africa with as little effort and expense possible – Indirect rule – Often used by Great Britain • Often, indirect rule backfires – European administrators made all decisions and native authorities served mainly to enforce them – Kept African elite in power – Provided few opportunities for ambitious and talented young Africans from outside ruling elite

Colonial Rule in Africa • France primarily controlled their territories through direct rule • French official at the top called governorgeneral – Governs with the aid of bureaucracy in capital city of the colony • French wanted to assimilate African subjects, not preserve African traditions • Africans could run for office and hold positions in colonial administration, some even went to Paris

Rise of African Nationalism • Like in Southeast Asia, a new class of leaders began to emerge in Africa – Educated in colonial schools or in Western nations – Knew a great deal about the West – Admired Western culture, sometimes dislike the ways of their own country – Wanted to introduce Western ideas at home

Rise of African Nationalism • BUT, they also resented the foreigners and their arrogance and dislike for African people • Westerners boasted about democracy, equality, political freedom – These values did not exist for natives in the colonies – Native peoples had low-paying jobs – Loss of farmland or employment on plantations or in factories run by foreigners

Rise of African Nationalism • Europeans expressed superiority over Africans – Segregated clubs, schools, and churches – Called adult Africans by their first names or “boy” • Educated Africans felt confused – Believed Western culture to be superior – But they hated colonial rule – Want to assert their own nationality and cultural destiny

Rise of African Nationalism • First quarter of the 20 th century – Resentment turns into action – Native people began organize political parties and movements – Sought an end to colonial rule