7.1 Expansion and Scramble for Africa

Question 1

What are Economic reasons for Expansion in Africa?

Answer 1

-Gold and Ivory from Africa’s west coast
-British slave trade in 18th century, abolished 1807 but by then over 3 million Africans transported
-With routes made inland, minerals and resources discovered (coal, iron, timber)
-New markets to sell British goods (especially weapons)

Question 2

What are moral reasons for expansion in Africa?

Answer 2

-Missionaries
-British people campaign to end rituals (Ukubuyisa, Polygamous marriages, inheriting wives)
-Explorers and scientists provide education to people around world by “discovering”

Question 3

What are political/strategic reasons for expansion in Africa?

Answer 3

-Protection of sea routes to Asia and Oceania
-Protecting Britain’s interests by establishing garrisons and forts
-Maintaining Britain’s status as major global power

Question 4

What were the two main conferences and when?

Answer 4

Brussels Conference 1876
Berlin Conference 1884-85

Question 5

What were qualities of the Brussels Conference 1876?

Answer 5

King Leopold of Belgium hosted conference of explorers and leaders from geographical societies in Europe, motivated by desire to protect Belgian interests around Congo river
-Conference included that:
European intervention necessary because Africans incapable for developing resources they had
Routes to Africa’s great lakes needed to be developed
Conference heightened competition between European powers

Question 6

What were qualities of the Berlin Conference 1884-85?

Answer 6

-Called by German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck
-Government representatives from the most politically powerful nations and Empires were invited, including:
(Britain, Belgium, France, Portugal, Italy, USA, Ottoman Empire)
-Purpose of the conference was to decide how Africa would be divided avoiding war
-General Act was passed 1885

Question 7

What was the General Act of 1885?

Answer 7

It established the principle of effective occupation, meaning powers could claim rights over lands if they:
-Had treaties with local leaders
-Flew their flag there
-Established an administration and/or a police force to keep order

Question 8

What were British Gains in Africa During the scramble?

Answer 8

Bechuanaland - Protectorate
British Somaliland - Protectorate
British East Africa - Chartered Company Rule
Nigeria - Protectorate
Northern Rhodesia - Settlement
Nyasaland - Chartered Company Rule
Southern Rhodesia - Settlement