World History - Imperialism and Africa

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 27.1 of World History focusing on imperialism and African interactions.

What is imperialism?

The seizure of a country or territory by a stronger country.

What factors prevented European exploration inside Africa in the 1800s?

Lack of river transportation, disease, and African armies.

What groups initially traveled to the interior of Africa and what were their views on slavery?

Explorers, missionaries, and humanitarians; they opposed slavery.

What were the motivations for European involvement in the Congo, and what actually happened?

They promised to end the slave trade and promote Christianity, but exploited Africans for their raw materials, specifically rubber.

Define racism. What made Europeans racist?

The belief that one race is superior to another; nationalism contributed to this belief.

Define Social Darwinism.

The application of 'survival of the fittest' to humans, suggesting non-Europeans were inferior due to a lack of scientific and technological achievements.

Name 3 external forces that enabled imperialism in Africa.

Superior European weapons (e.g., Maxim gun), steam-powered boats, and the development of quinine to combat malaria.

Name 3 internal forces that enabled imperialism within Africa.

Variety of languages and cultures discouraging unity, wars among African groups over resources, and Europeans exploiting conflicts between groups.

Why was the Berlin Conference held?

To divide Africa among Europeans to prevent competition and wars over colonization.

What can you infer about the Europeans’ attitude toward Africans during the Berlin Conference?

They viewed Africans as an inferior race and were dismissive, as no African leaders were invited to the conference.

What did European businesses need from Africa?

Raw materials.

What specific items did Europeans desire from the Congo and South Africa?

Congo: copper and tin; South Africa: gold and diamonds.

Who was Shaka, and how did his kingdom end up in British hands in 1887?

Shaka was a Zulu chief with a highly disciplined army; his ancestors were unable to keep the British out.

Who were the Boers?

Dutch settlers in South Africa, also known as Afrikaners, meaning 'farmers'.

Describe the cause and effects of the Boer War.

Causes included Britain's takeover of Cape Colony, clashes over land and slaves, and the discovery of gold and diamonds; effects included the British victory, Boers becoming a self-governing republic under British control.