European Explorers and Missionaries in Africa

James Bruce

1st major European explorer of Africa, from England in 1770, discovered Lake Tana in Ethiopia, source of the Blue Nile

Mungo Park

From England in 1776, 1st European explorer to explore the Niger River

René Callie

From France in 1828, 1st European to enter Timbuktu and return alive

Johann Rebmann

German missionary in 1848, 1st European to see Mount Kilimanjaro

David Livingstone

From England in 1855, doctor & missionary, explored Zambezi River, found & named Victoria Falls, translated Bible into African languages

Richard Burton & John Speke

From England in 1858, found source of the Nile River (Lake Victoria), Speke found Lake Tanganyika

Sir Samuel Baker

From England in 1864, found Lake Albert, source of the White Nile

Henry Morton Stanley

Scottish newspaperman who lived in the U.S., found Livingstone & explored the Congo/Zaire River in 1871

Accomplishments of the Explorers

1. Explored the 4 great Rivers of Africa
2. Wrote books - generated interest
3. Drew maps
4. Found highly developed civilizations

The Missionaries - Positive Aspects

1. Spread Christianity
2. Attempted to wipe out slavery
3. Built schools, hospitals, and churches

The Missionaries - Negative Aspects

1. Reports were filled with bias and error
2. Many African customs were considered savage & primitive