Ch. 1.1.b - International History: The Scramble Completed (1885-98) : What was the Impact of Imperial Expansion on International Relations

What happened after the scramble? Why did it happen so quickly and what were the factors? What were the Boer wars, and what had happened in Fashoda and the Upper Nile?

What happened as a result of the Berlin Conference?

The scramble for Africa had sped up very quickly.

What is the general reason for the speed up of the scramble?

Rules made it easier to legitimately claim Africa’s land, though the whole thing is complex; During the Berlin Conference, rules were drawn up for defining how the imperial powers could claim African territory on the coast.

Why is the period between 1885 and ‘98 known as a ‘steeplechase’, as said by a French Minister?

The intense competition and rivalry between European powers; It would be for territory, influence and trading rights within Africa and was focused on the Sudan, East Africa, west Africa hinterland.

Who was Cecil Rhodes?

British businessman and prime minister of Cape Colony (1890-96); He had founded Rhodesia, currently Zimbabwe and Zambia.

What did Cecil Rhodes want to do within Africa?

Cecil Rhodes aimed to expand British influence and control across Southern Africa; He was seeking to establish a "Cape to Cairo" railway and a unified, British-dominated South Africa, with the Transvaal and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) being key targets for their mineral wealth and strategic location.