Download The Age of Imperialism

The Age of Imperialism
Africa
What is Imperialism?
• Imperialism: a stronger nation takes over a
weaker nation or territory.
– To take or take over
• The stronger nation tries to dominate the
political, social and economic life of the
weaker region.
• The weaker nation becomes a colony of the
stronger nation.
• The Industrial Rev. encouraged Imperialism
by the need for natural resources
Colonized vs. Colonizers
• The Europeans colonized much of the world
between 1850-1914
• “BIG FEPS”
-B: Belgium
-I: Italy
-G: Germany
-F: France
-E: England
-P: Portugal
-S: Spain
Colonized vs. Colonizers cont.
• Africa & Asia were
targeted areas of world
• The Europeans thought
they were helping, but
really they were taking
advantage
• The Europeans were
looking for natural
resources and labor
Africa Before Imperialism
• Africa was unknown to the
Europeans due to a lack of
exploration.
• Belgium was the first
European country to take over
a part of Africa- The Congo
• The Congo had rubber trees
that were valuable.
• After Belgium found riches in
the Congo, other European
nations wanted the same…
the scramble began!
King Leopold II, Belgium
• Imperialized the Congo
• Very harsh ruler
• Used forced labor upon
the Congolese to take
rubber and ivory
• Estimates claim 3 million
natives died
• Had Congo rulers cut off
hands to account for
every bullet used
What Made Imperialism Possible?
• The Euros believed they
were better- Racism!
• Social Darwinism- Survival
of the Fittest
• Desire for natural
resources (diamonds, etc.)
• Desire for free slave labor
• Maxim machine gun
• Wanted to “Westernize” &
“Christianize”
Kimberley Diamond Mine
South Africa, 1870’s
• Largest hand-dug
diamond mine in the
world
• Cheap native labor
used by the De Beers
mining company (still
around today)
• 660 feet deep
• Yielded 3 tons of
diamonds
• Closed in 1914
Berlin Conference 1884-85
• Competition over territory in Africa was fierce.
• 14 Europeans nations met in Berlin to figure out
rules for dividing up Africa.
• No African leaders invited!
Rules:
1.You had to notify other nations that you were
controlling that territory.
2. You had to be able to control the territory.