Europeans Establish Colonial Claims in Africa January 27

Europeans Establish Colonial Claims in Africa January 27, 2006

Imperialism • What is imperialism? – The domination by one country of political, economic, or cultural life of another country or region. • Why imperialism? – – Increased national prestige New markets and control of raw materials Individual wealth and glory Humanitarian and religious concerns • Superiority of the __________ • Spreading the benefits of western civilization a concept known as ____________ – Social Darwinism • ______ creature _______ • It’s natural for _____ to conquer weaker peoples

Case Study: Egypt • Muhammad Ali modernizes Egypt using European education, expertise, and investment. • Egypt becomes major exporter of “cash crops” • Growing Egyptian debt allowed Europeans, mostly British, to influence politics and economics • Geographic position places Egypt at the center of world trade routes (Suez Canal) • Britain gains control over Egypt in 1870

Europeans Elsewhere in Africa • French- North Africa (Algiers, Tunis, Morocco) and West Africa (Sahara) • Italy- Libya and Abyssinia (Ethiopia) • Germany- East Africa, Cameroon • British- Egypt, Sudan, Union of South Africa

Zulu Wars and the Boer War • Shaka founded the Zulu state in 1802 • Dutch (Boers) desires cause conflict and war with the Zulu’s over control of the territory • Boers defeat the Zulus 1839 • The Boers (Republic of South Africa) come under British rule • Internal tension cause the Boers to move inland “called the “Great Trek” to later Transvaal • Boers find gold and diamonds • British annex Transvaal, Boer War begins • Britain defeats the Boers after 2 years (Union of South Africa)

The Berlin Conference 1884 -85 • European “scramble” causes tensions between the large powers • War almost breaks out between France and Britain • European powers call for a conference to settle all differences • Africa is carved up without regard to ethnic groups

Holding Colonial Claims • The most common forms of imperial rule – Colonies – Spheres of influence – Protectorate