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Colonialism in Africa Berlin Conference • Tensions between European powers seeking African colonies led to the Berlin West Africa Conference (1884-1885) or Berlin Conference. • At this conference there were delegates representing fourteen European states and the United States. Here they devised the ground rules for the colonization of Africa without a single African being present. • The conference produced an agreement that any European state could establish an African colony after notifying the other nations of its intentions. • This conference provided European diplomats with the justification they needed to draw lines on maps and carve a continent into colonies. Berlin Conference Colonization Begins • In the 1890s Europeans sent armies to consolidate their claims and impose colonial rule in Africa. • Armed with the latest weaponry, African forces were easily defeated with their outdated muskets and spears by cannons and machine gun fire. By 1900 all of Africa was under colonial rule except for the areas of what are now the countries of Liberia and Ethiopia. Problems with Colonization • In the wake of this rapid conquest came problems of colonial occupation. European countries assumed that following an initial modest investment, colonial administration would become financially self-sufficient. For decades Europeans struggled to figure out how to rule Africa, only to learn that colonial rule in Africa could be maintained only through exceedingly high expenditures. Early Colonial Rule • The earliest approach to colonial rule involved concessionary companies. These were private companies that were granted large concessions of territory by European governments. • These concessionary companies were empowered to undertake economic activities such as mining, plantation agriculture, or railroad construction. • These companies also had permission to implement systems of taxation and labor recruitment. • This new approach allowed European governments to colonize and exploit immense territories with only a modest investment in capital and personnel, but this also brought liabilities. • Such liabilities as brutal use of forced labor, which provoked a public outcry in Europe, and profits smaller than anticipated convinced most European governments by the early twentieth century to curtail the powers of private companies and to establish their own rule, which typically took two forms, direct rule typical of French colonies and indirect rule typical of British colonies. Colonization under Direct Rule • Direct rule- Under direct rule, colonies featured administrative districts headed by European personnel who assumed responsibility for tax collection, labor and military recruitment, and the maintenance of law and order. • Administrative boundaries intentionally cut across existing African political and ethnic boundaries in order to divide and weaken potentially powerful indigenous (native) groups. • Direct rule aimed at removing strong kings and other leaders and replacing them with more compliant persons. • The underlying principle of direct rule was the desire to keep African populations in check and to permit European administrators to engage in a “civilizing mission”. This approach to colonial rule presented its own difficulties. Difficulties Under Direct Rule • Constant shortage of European personal Ex. In French West Africa some thirty-six hundred Europeans tried to rule over an African population of more than nine million. • The combination of long distances and slow transport limited effective communication between regional authorities and officials in remote areas. • An inability to speak local languages and a limited understanding of local customs among European officials further undermined their effective administration. Colonization under Indirect Rule • A British colonial administrator Frederick D. Lugard was the driving force behind the doctrine of indirect rule, which the British employed in many of its African colonies. • Lugard wrote The Dual Mandate in British Tropical Africa. In this he stressed the moral and financial advantages of exercising control over subject populations through indigenous (native) institutions. Frederick D. Lugard • Lugard thought that by using tribal and customary laws Europeans could establish a strong foundation for colonial rule. • Forms of indirect rule worked in regions where Africans had already established strong and highly organized states but often this plan was not effective, especially in the regions that were not well organized under the control of its colonial leaders. Difficulties Under Indirect Rule • Many colonial leaders were confused by the complexity of tribal laws and boundaries and imposed their own idea of what they thought was tribal boundaries and tribal laws. • This was done with little regard to the differences between tribes and these tribes were split up into what Europeans thought was acceptable boundaries. These colonial boundaries divided ethnic groups or grouped traditional enemies. Some groups were even given limited access to water in their newly drawn up lines of tribal territories. Colonialisms Effects Today • As a result of colonial rule with little regard to African’s tribal boundaries and practices many African nations today are fighting tribal wars Ex.(Rwandan genocide) and still having disputes over land for reasons such as ethnic dominance and control over natural resources. Rwandan Genocide Current Challenges in Africa -While Sub-Saharan Africa is home to just over 10 percent of the world’s population, it has more than 60 percent or more than 25 million people living with HIV/AIDS. -Two important issues to note with regard to the epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa are, first we are dealing with multiple epidemics requiring multiple strategies and, two the face of the epidemic is becoming more feminine which has dire consequences. -These next two slides show that while Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of the epidemic in terms of the number of people affected, HIV/AIDS spares no one. Population Growth • -Over the last century Africa's population has grown at a rapid rate. • - Various estimates of the population size of Africa indicate that prior to 1900 the annual growth rate of population was less then 0.1 percent. During the period 1900-1950. It was 1.2 percent in the period 1950-1970, the growth rate was estimated at 2.8 percent. In the period 1980-1990, the rate was at 3.2 percent. This data Shows that the recent demographic trends in Africa are characterized by unprecedented rapid growth rates. • Africa's population which was estimated at 257 million in 1960 had increased to 482 million by 1983. In 1993 the population of the continent was estimated at 682 million. The average annual growth rate during the decade was 3.2 percent, the highest among a Third World region. • Current population estimates of the continent are around 1 billion people. • Africa faces a major population explosion in the near future. Poaching and the Ivory Trade • Although international ivory trade has been banned since 1989, elephant tusks are hot commodities on the black market. • The tusks are actually elongated incisors. Since about a third of their length is inside the skull, the tusks cannot be fully removed while the animal is alive. Poachers therefore shoot into an elephant herd, cut off the trunks of any fallen animals, and hack out the tusks with an axe. • In the decade before the ivory ban, the number of African elephants plummeted from roughly 1.3 million to fewer than 600,000. • Before the ban, about 7.4 percent of the animals were killed for their tusks each year. This ban helped during the early and mid 1990s but is now on the rise again. • Current estimates suggest that the annual rate is now 8 percent, worse then before the ban. This could bring African elephants to extinction by 2020 according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species or CITIES. Today the current African elephant population is around 450,000 (Aug.2008). That means that roughly 36,000 African elephants are poached each year for their ivory tusks. Crisis in Sudan • Sudan has been at war with itself for almost its entire post- colonial history since 1956. All of its major ethnic & religious groups have fought or are fighting each other today. • In 2004 government troops and militia groups known as Janjaweed moved to crush the black African ethnic groups that have been neglected by the Muslim Central government. • Estimates of 300,000 people dead and roughly 2.7 million have fled their homes to get away from the crisis. Currently there are almost a dozen armed groups across the country, each with its own political agenda. Child Soldiering • Currently there are 300,000 child soldiers world-wide. Most of these children live in Africa today. These children are controlled by warlords & new rebel groups that are motivated by financial gain through violence and crimes. These warlords use poor young children who are impressionable, fearless and in abundant supply. In recent years such countries as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mozambique, Somalia, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have all been locations for child soldiering. Child Soldier Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda • In the 1970’s -1980’s, mountain gorillas were being killed for profit in Rwanda & Uganda. In the 1990’s they were causalities of Rwanda’s bloody civil war. In 2003 the last know gorilla killing was committed by former park employees. They murdered 2 females, stole one infant and were sentenced to 4 years in prison. • Current- Since the end of the civil war and the establishment of a new democratic government the gorilla population has not only stabilized, it has increased. The new Rwanda government has made tourism into a growing industry. Rwanda is educating its population on the importance of the gorilla. Not only is saving the gorilla a human act it has become a profitable one. The gorilla population in Rwanda has grown from 324 in 1985 to 380 in 2008 for an increase of 17%. While this is the case in Rwanda it is not as optimistic in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Piracy off the Somalia coast • Last year 12 Japanese ships were attacked by pirates, a total of over 100 ships from different countries were attacked. Some of these ships were hijacked for multi-million dollar ransoms. Pirates use fast moving skiffs to pull along side ships were they are often boarded by ladders &/or grappling hooks. • Current- On 3/23/09 a Japanese cargo ship, Jasmine Ace, was attacked by 2 small boats that fired rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and automatic weapons into the bridge before fleeing. The ship escaped hijacking but increasing speed and evasive maneuvers. • This was the 3rd attack that day on a cargo ship. Attacks on ships during January and February of 2009 are up 10 times from the same period in 2008. Although the number of attacks is up, the number of successful hijackings is down. This is mainly because an international antipiracy mission is underway. North AfricA’s cLiMAtEs North Africa’s major climates are Arid (Desert) & Semi-arid (Steppe) Sahara Desert The Sahara is the world’s largest desert, stretching 3.5 million square miles. Sahara Averages less than five inches of rain each year. Temperatures there can run to the extreme -freezing at night -Can be more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit at the peak of day. Wildlife of the Desert Horned Viper Houbara Fennec Fox Sand Cat Sahel -Steppe region below Sahara that is spreading into a desert region. Atlas Mountains Separates the northern moist Mediterranean climate from the arid south. Atlas Mountains of Morocco Atlas Mountains in Morocco Water • Water is the most precious resource for this region of deserts and steppe areas. Wadis • Wadis dry streambeds that fill with water only after rainfall in a desert or steppe region. • Oasis is a place where water comes to the surface in desert area. • "oasis" is believed to come from an ancient Egyptian word, "wah," meaning "fertile place in the desert." • About 75 percent of the Sahara's population live in oases OASIS Major Water Features • Mediterranean Sea • Red Sea • Arabian Sea • Persian/Arabian Gulf • Nile River The Nile and its tributaries flow though nine countries. The Nile River • Length: From White Nile Source to Mouth- 4184 miles, longest river in the world • Name: The Nile gets its name from the Greek word "Nelios", meaning River Valley. • Sources: The White Nile: Lake Victoria, Uganda. The Blue Nile: Lake Tana, Ethiopia. ASWAN DAM on the Nile River • The Dam was created in 1971 • The Dam wall is 365 feet high • Created artificial lake- Lake Nasser, which covers 300 miles Positive effects of Dam • Prevents flooding • Controls irrigation • Can plant 3 crops instead of only 1 a year • Creates Hydroelectric powersupplies Egypt with 40% of its electricity • Amount of farmland has increased by 2.9 million acres Negative Effects of Dam • New layer of fertile soil no longer deposited by annual flood, must use fertilizers – Very expensive – Run off pollutes river, pollution kills fish • New soil not added to Delta, which causes erosion • Water flow has decreased. – Stagnant water allows disease to increase. – Salt content has increased, which can ruin crops – Some experts think weight of Lake Nasser may be producing earthquakes Sinai Peninsula located between Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula Suez Canal The 101-mile waterway connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. * The Suez Canal is used to transport goods to and from three continents. * History Early Civilization • Ancient Egypt- was the birthplace of one of the world's first civilization. It began over 5000 years ago and lasted for 2000 years. • The Nile River was the life blood of ancient Egypt; it provided rich soil, irrigation, and transportation. The Egyptians named their nation Kemet, Black land, after the rich dark soil of the Nile River. Egyptian Contributions • Egyptian civilization made many contributions to the world. Among them are a 365 - day calendar, hieroglyphics (picture writing), and papyrus (paper like writing material). They also had one of the first national governments and developed a religion that emphasized life after death. • However their best known accomplishment are the pyramids, gigantic stone structures built as tombs for the pharaohs (kings) that were constructed 4500 years ago and are still standing. Pyramids at Giza Sphinx • Beginning in about 3500BC King Menes of Upper Egypt conquered Lower Egypt. Memphis became the capital of this new nation. It is near present day Cairo. • He also established the first of 30 dynasties to rule Egypt. Egyptian history can be divided into three main periods - the Old Kingdom, The Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. The Old Kingdom • The Old Kingdom began in 2686 BC and was lead by Dynasty III. During this period a strong central government developed. It is also known for the construction of the Great Pyramid and other pyramids at Giza. • Dynasty IV was headed by King Khufu. As priests and government officials fought over power, the pharaohs of Dynasty V became weak. The Old Kingdom lasted until 2181 BC. The Middle Kingdom • The Middle Kingdom was ruled by Dynasty XII. In 1991 BC Amenemhet seized the throne and moved the capital to Itjawy near Memphis. • Egypt's wealth and power was restored by this dynasty. Egypt conquered Nubia and traded with Syria and Palestine. • The Middle Kingdom ended in 1786 BC and had been a period of growth in architecture, literature, and art. The New Kingdom • The New Kingdom lasted for 500 years beginning in 1554 BC. • Such rulers as Thutmose I, and Queen Hatshepsut created an empire that reached its height in 1400 BC. During this period Egypt regained control over Kush and Nubia. These two areas were sources of slaves, copper, gold, ivory, and ebony. • During the reign of Amenhotep IV huge religious changes occurred. Amenhotep IV devoted himself to Aten, the sun god. • These changes angered many Egyptians and his successor King Tutankhamun, he restored the old religion. • With the advent of the XX Dynasty ancient Egypt began to decline. It broke into smaller states because of the struggle for power between the priests and nobles and lost its empire. Foreign invaders would take advantage of the situation. Natural Resources • Natural Resources - Most valuable natural resources are oil and natural gas - Rich fishing grounds off Morocco’s Atlantic coast - Rain or irrigation makes farming possible in areas with good soil Moroccan Fishermen THE REGION TODAY • Economic Activities - Oil and natural gas are basis of Libyan and Algerian economies - Agriculture is very important in this region despite dry climates - Tourism is another important activity which falls victim to violence - Still not enough jobs due to rapid population growth - Many skilled and educated workers leave to find better jobs in Europe or oil-rich countries in Southwest Asia • Urban environments - Cities have a mix of modern and traditional buildings - Many cities are becoming overcrowded with a ring of slums (shantytowns) surrounding the older core - Not enough housing • Environmental Challenges - Desertification (spreading of desert conditions) - Pollution from oil refining - Polluted water supplies - Health of the Nile River Unit 7:Chap 21-24 Africa Chap 22 West and Central Africa Landforms and Rivers • Plains and low hills make up most of the landscape in West and Central Africa. • The El Djouf is a desert region in eastern Mauritania and Western Mali near the Niger River. • The Congo and Niger river are the two largest rivers in West and Central Africa. • The Congo flows northward from Zambia toward the Congo (DROTC) and then takes a West then South West course until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean on the border of the Congo and Angola. • The Niger flows Northeast through the Sahel and then the Sahara until it reaches central Mali. It then flows Southwest until it empties into the Gulf of guinea in Nigeria. The Congo River at Sunset Niger River Climates, Plants, and Animals Climates • In the Northern regions in the countries Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Chad lies the worlds largest arid desert, the Sahara. • It is characterized by giant sand seas called ergs and extensive gravel covered plans referred to as regs. • To its immediate South lies the region known as the Sahel, a semi-arid region. • The Sahel vegetation is limited to small shrubs, grassland areas and sporadic tree growth. • Most indigenous people in the Sahel are subsistence farmers, growing crops such as peanuts and grains or raise cattle and goats. • The combination of droughts and growing population have caused desertification in the region. • Currently desertification is spreading southward from the Sahara into the Sahel. Sahel • South of the Sahel is a tropical wet/dry climate and a tropical humid climate. • In the tropical wet/dry climates Northeast winds from the Sahara bring hot, dry, dusty conditions in winter months and winds blow in the opposite direction from the ocean and bring rain in the summer. • In this region small trees, grasslands and shrubs are common vegetation. • Many animals such as Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras live in this region. Congo Rainforest • Currently many are in a population decline because of growing human population and conversion of grassland into farmland. • The tropical humid region closest to the equator is a dense tropical rainforest that is one of the worlds most diverse ecosystems. • These rainforests have large trees that form canopies that are formed by the uppermost layer of the trees, where the limbs spread out. • Almost all of the worlds Great Apes live in these forests except the Orangutan. Natural Resources • This region has a wide variety of natural resources such as timber and minerals. • Much of the timber in this region is being cut down at an alarming rate and is causing deforestation throughout the region. • Oil is the most valuable resource within the region. • What country exports the most oil in Africa? History Early Empires • Ghana was a trading state that was one of the first kingdoms in West and Central Africa. • With this trade came the transportation of different foreign goods and Islam, which many empires in the region adopted. • Mali was also a great empire that replaced Ghana. Its main city was Timbuktu, a center of trade and education during its time. Timbuktu • The Songhai Empire was the last great early empire in the region. Like Ghana and Mali they to were a trading based empire. • Europeans first arrived in West Africa in the late 1400s. • They came in search of a water route to Asia and were lured by gold. • Starting in the 1500s the demand for labor in the Americas shifted the main trade of gold to slaves in West Africa. The Colonial Era West Africa • Europeans did not hesitate to deceive Africans in order to get their land and natural resources. • Driven by of rivalries among themselves, Great Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal placed almost all of Africa under European rule between 1880 and 1890. • West Africa was particularly affected by the slave trade, but trafficking in slaves had declined after it was declared illegal by both Great Britain and the United States by 1808. • By the 1890s slavery was abolished in all the major countries of the world. • As slavery declined, Europe’s interest in other forms of trade increased – for example, trading manufactured goods for peanuts, timber, hides, and palm oil. • In the early nineteenth century, the British established settlements along the Gold Coast and in Sierra Leone. • The growing European presence in West Africa caused increasing tensions with local African governments, who reared for their independence. • In 1874 Great Britain annexed (incorporated a country within a state) the west coastal states as the first British colony of Gold Coast. Simultaneously, it established a protectorate over warring Nigerian groups. • France controlled the largest part of West Africa, and Germany controlled Togo, Cameroon, and German Southwest Africa (now Namibia). Central Africa • European explorers had generated European interest in the dense tropical jungles of Central Africa. • David Livingstone was one such explorer. He arrived in Africa in 1841 and trekked through the unexplored interior for 30 years. • A journalist from America, Henry Stanley, sailed down the Congo River in the 1870s. • He encouraged the British to send settlers to the Congo River basin. When Britain refused, Stanley turned to king Leopold II of Belgium. • King Leopold II was the real driving force behind the colonization of Central Africa. • In 1876 he hired Henry Stanley to set up Belgian settlements in the Congo. • Belgium’s claim to the vast territories of the Congo worried other European states. • France especially rushed to gain territories in Central Africa. • Belgium ended up with the territories south of the Congo River, and France received the territories north of the Congo River. • Colonialism left many effects on West and Central Africa. – People went from subsistence farmers to a new commercial economy. – Local economies went from being based on trading gold, salt, and ivory to the exporting of minerals and farm products. – Modern medicine improved the quality of life. – High unemployment and low wages – Ethnic rivalry Culture • West and central Africa are very diverse societies. • There are three major cultural influences in this region. – Traditional African cultures, Islam, and European culture • Most of the languages spoken in this region are of the Niger-Congo language family. • During the colonial age English and French became the lingua francas. • Islam, Christianity and indigenous African religions are dominant in these regions. • Indigenous religions believe that the spirits of their ancestors play an important part in their lives. • Education is low throughout both regions with only a small percent graduating high school and little or none from college. • Children’s learned skills come from mainly growing crops or raising animals to help provide for their families. The Region Today • All countries in West and central Africa are categorized as developing countries. • People in these regions on average make less income, live shorter lives, have lower levels of education and less access to health care then developed countries. • Farmers in these regions plant and harvest many different types of crops. • This is done so that if one crop is diseased other crops can still be harvested for food. • Most of the countries in these two regions export primary goods. • Many countries in the region depend heavily on only a few main exports. This has two main disadvantages. - It makes economies vulnerable to changes in the price of their main exports. Why? - The export of primary goods is less profitable than the export of manufactured goods. Why? • Rapid population has caused shortages in housing, electricity and potable running water. Unit 7:Chap 21-24 Africa Chap 23 East Africa Landforms and Water • Tectonic activity has shaped the geography of East Africa, forming two rift valleys, known as the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys. • The Western rift runs from Lake Malawi on the border of Tanzania and Mozambique northwards through Tanzania and the valleys of Lake Tanganyika and then ending in Southern Sudan. • The Eastern rift runs from Mozambique northward through the East coast of Africa and into Southwest Asia. • Along these rift valleys lies the most popular mountain in all of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. • Two rivers form in Northern Sudan to make the Nile River. The Blue Nile and the White Nile. • The headwaters of the Nile River are located in two different countries. • The White Nile’s origins are in Lake Victoria and run northward until it meets with the Blue Nile near Khartoum, Sudan. • The Blue Nile’s origins are in the Ethiopian Highlands and run southsoutheast before taking a WestNorthwest turn into Sudan. Blue Nile Falls Climates, Biomes, Natural Resources • Latitude and variations in elevation contribute to the diverse climates of East Africa. The Equator Region • Has alternating wet and dry seasons. • Has vegetation on the high plains which is a mixture of savannas and forests. • Forests grow on the mountain slopes of the region and rainfall is heavy. North and South regions • Regions North and South of the equator are characterized by seasonal droughts. • Weather is frequently hard to predict in East Africa. –To little rain causes grass to die and as a result the livestock of the region often dies. –The exact opposite also occurs, to much rain causes flooding and locust populations to increase. • These locusts eat all plant life in their path and once again livestock and animals die as a result. Swarm of Locusts The Tsetse Fly and its impact • Tsetse flies transmit a disease called sleeping sickness. • This disease does not effect most native animals but has devastating effects on livestock in the region. • As a result farmers and herders have not entered the area in great numbers. • This leaves Africa’s Serengeti Plan to the native animals where little human population exists. Tsetse Fly Natural Resources of the Region • East Africa has very few energy or mineral deposits. • Most of the soil in the region is not fertile enough to sustain any large production of agriculture. • To much salt or lime in the soil contributes to this lack of production. • One of East Africa’s main resources is its natural scenery. • Many tourists come from around the world to see the Serengeti and beaches of East Africa. • Video of Serengeti Kenyan Coast History • By 1875 Britain and Germany had become the chief rivals in East Africa. • Germany was one of many European nations interested in East African colonies. • At the 1884 Berlin Conference, the major European powers divided up East Africa, giving recognition to German, British, and Portuguese claims. No African delegates were present at the conference. Culture • There are hundreds of diverse ethnic groups within East Africa. - All can be organized into three different groups according to their language. -Nilotic speaking people- They are a herding people that live along the Nile River and the plains of Sudan. -Cushitic-speaking people- They live along the Read Sea coast all the way down to the Horn of Africa. -Bantu speaking people- The live in the countries of Kenya, Rwanda and into Southern Africa. Other people of East Africa •Along the coastline is where many people of Arab traditions and South Asian descent live. •During the colonial period many South Asian people (Indonesia, India etc) came to this region and settled it. Religion in East Africa. • Like West and Central Africa many people have the same belief that your ancestors are a strong force in your daily life and future. -There traditional religions are animist based. -Animists believe the natural world contains spirits that live in animals, mountains, trees, and water. -Mixed Religions- Many East Africans mix characteristics of both native animist religions with Christianity and Islam. Ethiopian Woman Making injera Made form teff flour, injera is the staple food of many East African countries. The Region Today Economy • East Africa’s economy is mainly locally based with little impact on the global economy. • Many locals work by growing and harvesting plants like coffee and gum arabic, the sap of acacia trees. • Farming and herding are the two main jobs of East Africans. –Many women often farm the land while men take care of the livestock. Acacia tree Commercial Agriculture • There are few large commercial farms in East Africa. –These few large farms have technology like tractors and combines. –These farms produce large amounts of crops due to the access to modern seeds and fertilizers. –These farms supply the regions cities with much of their food supply. Nairobi Market Industry In the Region • All countries in this region are developing countries. - Addis Ababa- The largest city and capital in Ethiopia, headquarters of regional organizations. Pop.est. 2,450,000 -Nairobi- The largest city and capital in Kenya, region’s most important commercial center. Pop.est. 2,150,000 -Dar es Salaam- The largest city and capital in Tanzania, Pop. Est. 1,400,000 -Khartoum and Omdurman- Largest cities in Sudan, face each other across Nile. Tourism • Tourism is a major economic business in East Africa. -Tourism is a growth industry in the region. -Many people have jobs that are dependent on tourism. Challenges to tourism -Recent political strife and degradation to national parks all deter tourism. Bombing of U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya 1998 Unit 7:Chap 21-24 Africa Chap. 24 Southern Africa Landforms and Water • Southern Africa has three major landform regions. - a narrow coastal plain- Runs along the coast of South Africa. - an inland plateau- covers the largest area in Southern Africa and is in the inland region. - an escarpment- Lies between the plateau and the costal plain. The Drakensberg Range is located here. Water bodies • Major Rivers -Orange -Limpopo -Zambezi • Victoria Falls Climate & Desert types found in region Climates • Tropical wet • Dry • Semiarid Deserts -Namib- Located on the coast of Namibia. -Kalahari- Located in central Southern Africa. Namib Desert Resources • Angola- Petroleum • Zambia- Copper and iron • South Africa,Botswana and NamibiaDiamonds • South Africa- Gold and platinum • South Africa and Zimbabwe- Coal Kimberly Mine South Africa History • European presence in Africa grew most rapidly in the south. By 1865 close to two hundred thousand white people had moved to the southern part of Africa. • The Boers, also called Afrikaners, were the descendents of the original Dutch settlers who occupied Cape Town in South Africa in the seventeenth century. • Later, the British seized these lands. In the 1830s the Boers fled British rule, going northward and establishing the independent republics of Transvaal – later the South African Republic – and the Orange Free State. • The Boers believed white supremacy was created by God; therefore, they put a lot of the indigenous (native) peoples on reservations. • The Boers frequently battled the Zulu, an indigenous people. The Zulu had risen to prominence under their great ruler, Shaka. Later the British defeated the Zulu. • In the 1880s British policy in South Africa was directed by Cecil Rhodes, he set up diamond and gold companies that made him wealthy. He named the territory north of the Transvaal Rhodesia, after himself. • Rhode’s ambitions led to his downfall in 1896. The British government forced him to resign as prime minister of Cape Colony after finding out he planned to overthrow the Boer government of the South African Republic without British approval. Conflict broke out between the British and the Boers, leading to war. • The Boer War went form 1899 to 1902. Fierce guerrilla resistance by the Boers angered the British, who burned crops and herded more than 150,000 Boer woman and children into detention camps, causing 26,000 to die. • In 1910 the British created the Independent Union of South Africa, combining the Cape Colony and the Boer republics. This was a self-governing nation within the British Empire. To appease the Boers, the policy was that only whites could vote. Boer War Apartheid