APWH Unit 5 DBQ

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power over other territories through colonization or military force.

Colonialism

The practice of acquiring and controlling colonies, often for economic exploitation.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid invasion, division, and colonization of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century.

Berlin Conference

1884-1885 A meeting where European nations decided on rules for dividing Africa without African representation.

Direct Rule

A colonial system where European powers governed African territories directly (e.g., French, Belgian rule).

Protectorate

A territory with its own local government but under the control of a European power.

Chartered Companies

Private companies granted rights by European governments to administer and exploit African lands (e.g., British South Africa Company).

Indirect Rule

A colonial system where local African leaders were used to enforce European policies (e.g., British rule).

Cash Crops

Crops grown for export rather than local consumption (e.g., cotton, cocoa, coffee).

Resource Extraction

The exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, such as gold, diamonds, and rubber, for European benefit.

Forced Labor

A system in which Africans were coerced into working on European plantations, mines, and infrastructure projects (e.g., Congo Free State).

Monoculture Economy

An economy based on a single crop or resource, making colonies dependent on European markets.

Missionary Activity

European Christian missionaries sought to convert Africans, often disrupting traditional religions.

Social Darwinism

A belief that European dominance was justified by the idea of racial superiority and "survival of the fittest."

Assimilation

A policy, mainly used by the French, aimed at making Africans adopt European culture and lifestyles.

Ethnic Division

The artificial borders and policies that intensified ethnic conflicts, some of which persist today.

Zulu Resistance

A series of conflicts between the Zulu kingdom and British forces in South Africa.

Maji Maji Rebellion

(1905-1907) – An anti-colonial uprising against German rule in East Africa.

Battle of Adwa

(1896) – Ethiopia's victory against Italy, maintaining its independence.

Boer Wars

(1880-81, 1899-1902) – Conflicts between the British and Dutch-descended Boers in South Africa.

Ethiopia & Liberia

Non-colonies in Africa

Complexity

Oversource

Outside evidence

One lesser-known but devastating example of European imperialism’s impact on Africa was the Herero and Nama genocide (1904-1908) in German South-West Africa (modern-day Namibia). After German settlers seized Herero and Nama lands and resources, tensions escalated into armed resistance. In response, German colonial forces, led by General Lothar von Trotha, issued an Extermination Order, driving the Herero and Nama into the Namib Desert, where thousands perished from starvation and dehydration. Those who survived were captured and sent to concentration camps, where they endured forced labor, medical experiments, and mass executions. The genocide nearly wiped out the Herero population (reducing it by around 80%), while the Nama people also suffered severe losses. This atrocity not only demonstrated the extreme brutality of European imperial rule but also foreshadowed later genocidal policies in the 20th century, including those of Nazi Germany. The long-term effects left deep scars on Namibian society, contributing to land dispossession and socio-economic struggles that persist today.

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