The Scramble for Africa 

Precolonial Societies within Africa

Africa was characterised as fluid in terms of movement and governance and daily lifestyle.

the continent consisted of more fluid groups would readily incorporate outsiders as long as they abide with their customs. (There was a sense of obligation and solidarity)

Precolonial societies in Africa

• Large Kingdoms and Empires which were ruled by kings in a centralised government.
• Smaller kingdoms/ small city-state smaller than kingdoms and ruled by chiefs or kings.
• Stateless -no hierarchy. e.g. khoi khoi, khoisan

The Berlin Conference 1884

In 1884 at the request of Portugal, the German Chancellor Otto van Bismarck called together the major western powers to negotiate the separation of the continent Africa.

the countries represented at the time were Italy, Germany, Farnce, Britain and Portugal, were a part of the thirteen countries.

*The Europeans called Africa the dark continent because it was unknown.

Of the thirteen countries that attended France, Germany, Great Britain and Portugal were the major players in the conference, controlling most of colonial Africa at the time. Britain, France and Germany were fighting for power within European politics.

One way to demonstrate national dominance was through the acquisition of territories around the world, including Africa.

No African leaders were present at the conference.

One thing to remember is that for three months the colonial powers negotiated boundaries in the interior continent disregarding the cultural and linguistic boundaries.