Social Science History - The Scramble for Africa

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms, figures, events, and locations related to the Scramble for Africa, the Berlin Conference, and the Ashanti Kingdom.

Colonization

When one country takes over and controls another country, its people, and its resources.

Protectorate

A territory largely controlled by another stronger country.

Nationalism

Being proud of one's own country and the wish to be free and independent.

Colony

A territory occupied or controlled by another foreign state.

Indigenous

The original, native people.

Imperialism

A desire to rule or influence other countries.

Liberia

An African state that was not colonised because it served as a base for returning ex-slaves from North America.

Abyssinia/ Ethiopia

An African country that was not colonised because they had stopped an Italian invasion after 7 years of war.

Otto von Bismarck

The German Chancellor who wanted to set guidelines for colonising or taking over African territories.

Berlin Conference

A conference held in 1884 (continuing into early 1885) where 14 countries signed a document formalising guidelines for colonising African territories.

Chief Osei Tutu

The ruler of the Ashanti Kingdom who proclaimed authority as king after a golden stool miraculously came down from the heavens.

Golden Stool

A stool sacred to the Ashanti people because it represents royal authority and is believed to house the soul, spirit, and unity of the Ashanti nation.

Mission from Cape Coast Castle to Ashantee

A book written by a British explorer after spending a few months in Kumasi in 1817, which encouraged British interest in the west coast as a future colony.

Ashanti Kingdom

A West African kingdom located on the Gold Coast, known as Ghana today.

Elmina Castle

A castle located on the West African coast that was originally built by the Portuguese in 1482.