Africa Flashcards
Economic
-Africa was believed to have a number ofcash crops such as gold, diamonds and ivory. These goods could be traded to make European countries richer
Government-
By the 1860s, France, Germany and the USA has all become powerful nations. Britain had up until this point been the world’s leading power in trade and industry. Building an empire would make each country richer
war and technology-
African people fought fiercely at time to defend their lands, but the invention of the Maxim gun (machine gun) gave the Europeans armies a major advantage as Africans were mainly armed with spears or swords.
What did Britain gain from the scramble?
Britain took over 16 huge areas of land (or colonies) in Africa during the scramble, including Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Southern Rhodesia. In total, Britain claimed 32% of Africa by 1900.
Cecil Rhodes-
A British imperialist who believed in Social Darwinism hadvision of British rule going from the bottom to the top of Africa (Cape to Cairo). His actions contributed to the Boer War.
Causes of the Boer War
Britain wanted to own all the land in the region of South Africa, but the Boers stood in their way because they owned some. They wanted the land in South Africa to mine for diamonds and gold.
Consequences of the Boer Wars
Short term human cost of war 7600 British soldiers died during the Boer War, showing how determined the British were to hold onto their Empire.
Consequences of the Boer Wars
Long term Over a third of the British army was discovered to be ‘unfit for duty’, meaning that Britain would find it hard to fight future wars. The British government had to introduce free medical checks and food technology lessons in schools to ensure that young people were fitter!
Why did the British want the Suez Canal?
1869 the Suez Canal opened under the joint ownership of Egypt and France through the Suez Canal Company. This shortened the route to India by two weeks. By 1879 the Egyptian government was forced to sell its shares to cover debts owed to foreign countries. These were bought for £4 million by the British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.
How did the British colonise Egypt?
In 1882 the Egyptians rebelled against British interference in the canal. 24,000 British soldiers entered Egypt aided by 7000 Indian troops and took control of Egypt and the neighbouring Sudan by force.
