Imperialism is the domination of weaker nations by stronger industrial powers. In the late 19th century, European nations aggressively colonized Africa due to motives like racism, economic competition, and a desire to acquire raw materials and expand influence. They were enabled by new technologies like machine guns and advances in transportation. Europe took advantage of Africa's political fragmentation and played different groups against each other. The 1884 Berlin Conference established rules for dividing Africa among European powers without African representation. Colonial rule had both negative impacts like loss of independence and culture as well as some positive impacts like reduced wars, infrastructure development, and public health efforts. By 1914, Europe had colonized almost all of Africa.

1. Imperialism and Africa
• Imperialism is the extension of political,
economic, or social control by
industrialized nations on other weaker
nations, regions, and territories. (A
stronger nation tries to dominate a weaker
nation through economic, political and
social means).

2. Imperialism and Africa
Africa Before Imperialism
• 100s of ethnic groups
• Christianity and Muslim
• 1000s of languages
• Europe is kept out
• African armies kept Europe out
for 400 years
• Travel nearly impossible - rivers
• IR and natural resources are the
sparks needed for domination

3. Motives Driving Imperialism
We are Better Than You
• Racism
• One race is superior to another
• Social Darwinism
• The “fittest” and strong survive to enjoy the
wealth, success, and superiority
• This “gives” Europe the right to bring progress
• Social Darwinism is what it sounds like. The
Euros thought that since they were the most
technologically and administratively advanced
people they encountered anywhere on the globe
and that they were capable of conquering
others, they were necessarily fitter than all
others and were superior to them

4. Motives Driving Imperialism
Need Our Goods
• Raw Materials for fancy new factories
• To force European goods onto Africa
• To expand European power
• To “civilize” the savage

6. Forces Allowing Imperialism
European Motives
• Nationalism – “we are here, not you”
• Econ competition – profit
• European racism
• Missionaries
• Military and Naval – more control
External Forces
• Maxim gun – 1st auto machine gun
• Railroads, steamships, cable (communication)
Internal Forces
 Different cultures/language – no unity
 Europe learned to play each culture
against each other

7. Berlin Conference
Preventing War
• Competition was fierce for Africa
• Berlin Conference
Berlin Conference 1884
• No one wanted war so ….
• Gave “rules” on how to divide Africa
LOL
 No African nation was rep in meeting

8. Colonial Control Forms
Forms of Imperialism Explanation
Colony A country is governed by a foreign
power
Protectorate A country has its own government but
is controlled by an outside power
An country where outside powers claim
Sphere of Influence exclusive rights to trade and economics
(no one else can trade with.)
A country that is independent but
Economic Imperialism undeveloped and controlled by
business not another govt.

9. How to Manage Those Colonies
Indirect Control Direct Control
Local rulers used to Foreign rulers used to govern
help govern
Some self rule No self rule
Goal is to develop Goal is to assimilate entire culture
future “loyal” local rulers
European style with Based solely on European styles
local rules
Example: US Pacific Example: French
Islands Vietnam

10. Impact of Colonial Rule of Africa
The Negative
• Lost land and independence
• War
• Famine
• Loss of culture

11. Impact of Colonial Rule of Africa
The Positive
• Reduced local tribal wars
• Humanitarian efforts
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Economy/Industry
• Railroads
• Dams
• Communication

13. • By 1914, Africa had
been split up :
• Note that Ethopia and Liberia
remained uncolonized.
• Liberia was a settlement by
freed American slaves.
• Ethiopia successfully fought
off Italian colonizers.

14. • See if you can identify part of the problem with colonization.