Explorers in Africa

Question 1

Burton?

Answer 1

• First European to enter Somalia, disguised as a merchant
• Looked for the source of the Nile in 1856 with Speke and reached Lake Tanganyika
• Encouraged later expeditions but did not claim land or make treaties himself
• Funded by the Royal Geographical Soc

Question 2

Speke?

Answer 2

• Accompanied Burton to reach Lake Tanganyika
• July 1858- reached Great Lake, called it Victoria and concluded that it was the source of the Nile
• On 2nd expedition he found the Nile’s exit from Victoria, which he named Ripon falls, and he followed its course to reach S Sudan
• There he met with Burton who gave him info to locate Lake Albert
• Him and Burton were met with antagonism by the locals; ambushed by 200 Somalias
• Argued with Burton re source of the Nile; were going to have debate but Speke died

Question 3

Livingstone?

Answer 3

• Christian missionary
• 1849-51 travelled across the Kalahari Desert and Zambezi River
• Increased Western knowledge of South Africa by finding Victoria Falls
• 1866-7; died while trying to find the source of the Nile
• Very popular as evidenced by high publishing since 1856: 35k book sales in 1 month; given gold medal by Royal Geographical Soc due to his promotion for the expulsion of slave trade
• Put new places in the map

Question 4

Significance of explorers?

Answer 4

• Mapped out places in Africa; establishing foundations for future exploration and expansion (BUT didn’t take any land over themselves)
• Livingstone was very neutral/benign with locals: he made a good impression so they were less likely to resist British rule later on
• Sparked interest for Africa among the British public (seems romantic and exciting).- gov could therefore occupy African lands with no fear of backlash
• BUT perhaps more there for personal glory (as demonstrated by Speke-Burton feud; great fuss over integrity)