Scramble for Africa
What is imperialism?
The seizure of a country or territory by a stronger country
What is racism?
The belief that one race is superior to others
What are the four forms of European colonial control?
colony, protectorate, sphere of influence, and economic imperialism
What challenge did Britain face when looking to colonize and govern Nigeria? What
There were over 250 different ethnic groups living there
What were some problems faced by the Ottoman Empire due to the weakening leadership following Suleyman’s death?
Corruption and theft caused financial losses, Inflation, technology falling behind.
How would the African population best be described prior to the effects European Imperialism?
Divided into hundreds of ethnic and linguistic groups. Many followed traditional beliefs but other converted to Islam and Christianity and ranged politically from empires to independent villages.
What is Social Darwinism?
The belief that those who were fittest for survival would enjoy wealth and success and were superior to others. Non-Europeans were considered to be lower scale.
What were the two methods of day-to-day management of colonies?
Indirect control and direct control
What was the result of the Maji Maji rebellion?
German forces killed over 75,000 resisters and twice that number perished in the famine to follow. Following the rebellion the government made reforms to make colonialism more acceptable to the Africans.
What are Geopolitics?
An interest in or taking land for its strategic location or products.
Why was European travel in the interior of Africa virtually impossible prior to the 19th century (1800’s)?
Europeans could not navigate African rivers, many rapids and changing flows.
What discovery in South Africa increased European interest in colonization?
Diamonds
What is paternalism?
A policy of direct control wherein Europeans governed people in a paternal way by providing for their needs but not giving them rights. Brought in own leaders, didn’t train local government.
How did Menelik II lead Ethiopia in European resistance?
He played the Italians, French and British against each other and built up an arsenal of weapons. Eventually Ethiopian forces battled and defeated Italian forces and kept the nation independent.
Why were European nations interested in taking control of the Ottoman Empire? (What did it have to offer- 3 things)
1. Strategic location—controlled the Mediterranean and Atlantic sea routes.
2. Merchants beyond the Ottoman Empire had to travel through Ottoman lands to get to the sea.
3. Ultimately, oil was found in Persia after WWI
What invention allowed Europeans to conduct expeditions into the African interior?
Steam powered river boats
What did European countries do to prevent war over African territory?
14 nations met at the Berlin Conference and agreed that anyone claiming land in Africa should notify the other countries—they divided the country without considering the groups affected.
How did Britain gain control of Nigeria?
Through diplomacy and military force—they made agreements and treaties with some of the rulers but some opposed foreign intervention and the military was used to take those areas by force.
What were 3 negative effects of European rule over Africa?
1.Lost land, independence, died of smallpox and famines.
2.Breakdown of African culture
3.division of the continent--- caused division that continue to create problems for the nations.
Why did Russia continually wage war on the Ottomans?
Russians needed a warm weather port/access to the Black Sea.
How did the Industrial Revolution contribute to the emergence of Imperialism?
As nations industrialized they searched for new markets and new raw materials to improve their economies.
What was the Great Trek?
In 1830 thousands of Boers moved north to escape the British—found themselves having to fight the Zulu’s and other African tribes for land.
How did the Royal Niger Company aid in British conquest of northern Nigeria?
They gained control of the palm-oil trade along with Niger River and gave Britain a protectorate of the Niger River delta.
What were 3 positive effects of European rule over Africa?
1. Reduced local warfare
2. Improved sanitation practices, hospitals, and schools resulting in increased lifespans and educational improvement.
3. Railroads, dams, telephone and telegraph lines were built.
Who fought in the Crimean War and what was the final outcome?
The Russians and the Ottomans fought, Britain and France fought on the side of the Ottoman’s to defeat the Russians.