Imperialism Flashcards
imperialism
when one country takes control of another country
3 reasons for European imperialism
- Economic – Europeans wanted cheap raw material (cotton, wood rubber, and ivory) for their factories & Africa was seen as a potential market for European goods
- Culture – Europeans wanted to spread Christianity to Africa & spread European culture
- Political – nationalism in European countries was strong & rivalries among European countries led to a race to see who could obtain the most colonies
“White Man’s Burden”
A poem that spread the idea that people in civilized nations had the duty to spread western culture and ideas around the world
2 famous explorers who reported on Africa’s riches
- David Livingstone – a Scottish missionary who traveled deep into Africa in the late 1860s and disappeared, many thought he was dead
- Henry Stanley – was hired to travel to Africa to find Livingstone
Berlin Conference
where European leaders met to decide how to divide up Africa between them
1 important rule that all European countries agreed to at the conference
don’t sell guns to Africans because they could rebel and fight back against the European rule
2 countries with the most territory in Africa
France & Britain
methods of imperialism
- direct control – foreign officials brought in rule, no self-rule, paternalism & assimilation
- indirect control – local governments officials used, limited self-rule
paternalism
providing for them their need but not giving them rights
assimilation
assuming that local population would adopt to the European culture
boycott
to stop buying or using the goods or services of a certain company or country
nationalism
pride in one’s country, patriotic
King Leopold II
The King of Belgium first to begin claiming controlling Africa territories with Congo
What made Ethiopia successful? Who was the leader?
Stockpiled modern weapons (guns), successfully played Europeans off each other
Leader: Menelik II
Who created the powerful Zulu kingdom? What happened to the Zulus?
Shaka
lost to Britain, couldn’t handle modern weapons
What were some of the movements that helped African countries finally gain independence?
- outright war, causing death and destruction, Europeans begin to question if this is worth it
- The Great Depression
Colonies are expensive to run, value of the raw materials decreased - Protest movements, formation of political groups,
Inspire others (locally and internationally), demand rights and demonstrate a willingness to take action; raise awareness
motto of the Pan-African movement
“Africa for Africans”
first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence
Ghana
effects of colonial rule
positive:
- reduced local warfare
- provided hospitals
- products were valued
- economic growth
- lifespan rates increased
negative: - people died of diseases
- breakdown of traditions
- lost thousands resisting Europeans
- boundaries caused problems
- division of Africa
2 difficulties Africa experienced after the Europeans powers left
- The military leaders overthrew the government by force. They were not always fair since people had very few rights, and citizens may be jailed if they protested
- Europe did not introduce democracy to Africa. African countries were not properly trained for independence.
