1.1 Why was imperialism a significant force in Africa from 1870?

Imperialism

Extending a nation’s power by gaining political and economic control over more territory.

New Imperialism

The intense period of colonization (1890-1914) by Europe, Japan, and the USA.

Mercantilism

The belief that world wealth is limited and nations must compete to gain more.

Economic Theory Replaced Mercantilism

Wealth measured by production of goods, services (Adam Smith, laissez-faire).

Monopoly

A market with a single seller and no competition.

Why did industrialization encourage imperialism?

Nations needed raw materials and new markets for manufactured goods.

Long Depression

A period during (1873-1896) of falling prices and demand; led to tariffs and search for guaranteed markets.

Why did entrepreneurs support imperialism?

They wanted governments to annex areas where they had trade interests.

Raw Materials of Congo

Rubber

Raw Materials of The Transvaal

Gold, Diamonds

Raw Materials of West Africa

Palm oil

Raw Materials of Mozambique and India

Raw Cotton

Raw Materials of Southern Africa

Copper

Raw Materials of British Malaya

Tin

Why were tariffs introduced?

To protect home industries during economic downturns.

Congress of Berlin

During 1817 settled European borders; expansion could only occur overseas.

How did nationalism encourage imperialism?

Colonies symbolized national pride, power, and prestige.

Why did France pursue Imperialism

To recover prestige after losing the Franco-Prussian War.

What was Britain’s Naval Defense Act

During 1889 required Britain’s navy to match the combined strength of France and Russia.

How was imperialism used as social policy?

To distract the working class from inequality and unite the nation.

What medical advancement enables imperliasm?

Quinine (1871), reducing medical fears.

What technological advancements enabled imperialism?

Railways, steamships, telegraph networks, machine guns, rifles, heavy artillery.

What are the 4 Cs?

Commerce, Christianity, Civilization, Conquest

Why did Britain seize Egypt?

To control the Suez Canal and protect the routine to India.

Why did Britain expand in South Africa?

Gold and diamonds were discovered.

Who was Cecil Rhodes

British businessman who wanted a Cape-to-Cairo railway and telegraph line.

How much of Africa’s population did Britain control by 1900?

Over 30%

Why did France expand in Africa?

To rebuild prestige after Franco-Prussian War'; ended with largest African empire.

Why did Belgium enter the Scramble?

King Leopold II wanted wealth and prestige.

What happened in the Congo Free State

Brutal exploitation for rubber and ivory; forces labor and atrocities.

Why did Germany join late?

United in 1871; Bismarck focused on security.

Why did Germany expand?

Pressure from businessmen and industrialists.

Why were German colonies considered failures?

They cost more than they are worth.

What were Portugal’s motives?

To maintain old costal claims and avoid being left out.

Why did nations grab land even if it had little value?

To prevent rivals from gaining it; prestige mattered as much as resources.

Indirect Control

Local officials used, limited self-rule; goal: develop future leaders.

Direct Control

Foreign officials rule; no self-rule; goal: assimilation

What assumption did both systems share?

Europeans believed Africans were inferior.

European attitudes towards Africans

It is necessary to regard them as children — Henry Stanley

Benefits Claimed from Imperialism

Administration systems, education, transportation networks, medical care.

What farming changes occured?

More efficient methods and new crops introduced.

Affects exerted on African Boarders

Randomly divided with no regard for ethnic groups.

How did imperialism affect African economies?

Introduced money, forced labor, prevented African industries.

What forms of exploitation occured?

Resource extraction, forced labor, violence, mutilation.

Genocide

Deliberate destruction of a racial, ethnic, religious, or national group.

Cause of Anglo-Zulu War

British expansion and ultimatum designed for Cetshwayo to reject.

Key event of Anglo-Zulu War

Zulu victor at Isandlwana

Anglo-Zulu War Outcome

British reinforcements won; Zulu kingdom dismantled.

Anglo-Zulu War Impact

Zululand portioned; absorbed into British territory by 1887.

Date of Anglo-Zulu War

Began on January 11, 1879 and ended on July 4, 1879.

Ndebele Rebellion Causes

Settler expansion, cattle seizure, drought, rinderpest, Mlimo’s leadership

Reasons for Failure of Ndebele Rebeliion

Poor coordination, failure to cut telegraph lines, British reinforcements.

Ndebele Rebeliion Impact

British control restored.

Cause of Battle of Adwa

Italy misinterpreted treaty; claimed Ethiopia as protectorate.

Date of Ndebele Rebellion

1896

Why did Ethiopia Win?

Menelik II had modern weapons, superior numbers, and Italy made errors.

Battle of Adwa Outcome

Ethiopia remained independent.

Battle of Adwa Impact

Treaty of Addis Ababa recognized Ethiopian sovereignty.

Date of Battle of Adwa

Fought on March 1, 1896

Herero War Causes

German land seizure, cattle loss, reservations, settler rule.

What Occurred in Herero War

German forces crushed resistance; survivors driven into desert.

Herero War Impact

About 80% of Herero population died; recognized as genocide.

What factors determined resistance outcomes?

Leadership, unity, numbers, weapons, geography, organization, European errors.

Which case shows successful resistance?

Adwa (Ethiopia)

Which cases showed failure resistance?

Zulu, Ndebele, Herero