Week 9: The Scramble for Africa

When did the “scramble” for Africa begin?

1885-1910

In what time frame did colonization occur?

1880s-1980s

What was the catalyst for the scramble?

Britain’s shift to abolish the slave trade, causing a shift in economic power.

After the abolishment of the slave trade, what new forms of trade arose?

in 1860, there were large trading companies on the rise with the industrial revolution in full swing.

Africa was the __________ of exploration and Christianization.

last frontier

What did it mean to explore, christianize and civilize Africa?

It deemed a foreign country’s international status

What was happening during the 1870s that made Africa desirable?

• France-Prussia (German) war

• Unification of Germany

• Britain in a long economic depression

Why did foreign European countries want Africa during the 1870s?

The continent was seen as a way out of economic crisis, there were other international and political incentives.

What did Europe deem as their burden to Africa?

Europe thought that it was their duty to “civilize” Africa, and to reinstate it’s development.

How did political borders in Africa change due to the Berlin Conference?

Spaces were divided based on foreign country colonization and land claims. As a result there was a displacement of ethnic groups being pushed into new political borders.

Why was trade a motive for dividing up Africa?

There was a search for high return on investment, trade surplus, and raw materials. Additionally due to the lack of slave trade.

Why was preserve a motive for dividing up Africa?

There was a need to demonstrate colonial possessions, civilizing mission projects, and strategic assets and military troops.

What was happening from 1870 to 1918?

There were missionary projects sprouting across the continent, coupled with further exploration.

What were the actors of the scramble?

1. Explorers

2. missionaries

3. merchants (chartered companies/traders)

4. Diplomats/Mercenaries

What were the actants of the scramble?

1. Treaties

2. Flags and maps

3. Dismountable steam ships

4. weapons and drugs

How was it decided who received what land?

There was a correlation to foreign country ports/exploration, which suggests pre-establishment for different countries to settle further

When did the Berlin conference occur?

1884-85

Who attended the Berlin Conference?

There were 14 governments total, convened by Otto Von Bismarck, suggested by Leopold II

What were the main goals of the Berlin Conference?

1. Set rules of mutual recognition, trade, and colonization

2. To accelerate and expedite colonization

Which country was trying to grab land from East to West

France

What country was trying to grab land from North to South?

Britain

Why did these countries try to gain access to certain pieces of land?

Mainly to control the rivers, which allows for easy town set up, trade, and travel.

What land did Italy claim in the Scramble?

Somalia, Libya, Ethiopia

What land did Germany claim in the Scramble?

Togo, Namibia, Tanzania, Cameroon

What land did Belgium claim?

Congo

What land did Portugal claim?

Angola, Mozambique, Guinea B.

When did the first genocide occur in Africa?

20th Century in Namibia by Germany

When were the first concentration camps?

1899-1902 by British-Boer war

What is ironic about the size of Belgium to its land claim in Congo?

Congo is about 77x bigger than Belgium, Congo can fit inside the continental US.

Why did Belgium want the Congo?

1. Limitless water (river Congo)

2. Benign climate

3. Rich, fertile, soil

4. Abundant deposits of minerals

5. Rich in natural resources

King Leopold stated, “I do not want to miss a good chance of getting us a slice of this ______________”

magnificent African cake

What violence occurred in the Congo?

Due to Leopold’s demands for rubber, supervisors in the Congo would cut and remove the hands of a worker’s loved one in order to incentivize one to work harder

What are the similarities between Hitler and Leopold?

both committed acts of genocide; however, Hitler is more known

Why is Hitler more known than Leopold in his acts of genocide?

Hitler was killing fellow Europeans, while Leopold was killing/harming Africans, who were viewed lesser than.

What are the differences between Hitler and Leopold?

Hitler was ethnically cleansing Europe/Germany, while Leopold wanted to force more profit out of the Congo.

Who is Cecil Rhodes?

A colonist business man, who wanted to ensure the progress of colonization within Britain’s land claims.

What are some of Cecil Rhodes’ “achievements”?

• owned most of the mines in South Africa

• created the most famous diamond company in the world

• developed a railroad system

Why is South Africa one of the most developed countries in Africa?

Due to the contributions of Cecil Rhodes, even despite his brutality.

What is the “Rhodes Scholarship”?

This is funding for students who are successful in their high school years, and perform well academically can receive a special scholarship. Which is only paid for due to Rhode’s abuse on their ancestors.