Scramble for Africa Flashcards
What was the desire like for an extended empire in Africa in the mid 19th century ?
In the mid 19th century, there wasn’t much of a desire to extend the empire in Africa.Britain had very few possession in Africa.
What areas in Africa did Britain have possession of ?
The large area was in South Africa - in order to protect routes to India and Australia.No colonies in North and east Africa.Britain controlled some coastal areas in the West.Gladstone ( PM ) spoke of a policy of non intervention in colonial affairs.
What did Gladstone order in 1882 ?
However, in 1882, he ordered the occupation of an event seen by many to mark the start off the European partition.
What led to this change in policy ?
Viewed Egypt as valuable for trade - cotton was one particularly good quality.
Another European rival colonising the country - fear of other countries gaining influence.
Suez Canal.As a result of the canal becoming the quickest route to India, a lot of British investment went into Egypt.
Why was Britain becoming increasingly concerned about its position in relation to other European countries ?
Britain became concerned in the late nineteenth century, with it position in relation to other European countries.Britain had dominated the seas for 200 years therefore enjoyed considerable world influence.However Britain started being challenged by other expanding and industrialising powers
How did Germany concern Britain ?
In 1871, Germany unified as a single country and became a new powerhouse.With its huge supply of natural recourse and favourable geographical location in the centre of Europe they soon began to show industrialist powers and German merchant ships made an increasing appearance in the high sea.
How did France concern Britain ?
Although defeated by Germany in 1871, France transformed its armed forces thereafter and rapidly recovered, with a new determination to return to their “ rightful place ‘ in the world.The naval programmes of France and Russia concerned Britain as naval powers gave them the means to explore areas. For example, in South East Asia, the French established a foothold in Indo - China ( where they were joined by Germany in 1880s also seeking concessions.
How did Russia concern Britain ?
Russia, although industrially less advanced, began to transform their economy, extending their control Central Asia, so that by 1884, Russia had taken its empire to the borders of Afghanistan.Also, Russians began constructing a railway network which, the British feared, could carry an army to challenge the British position in India.Russia slo had naval programmes in the 1880s. Furthermore, Russia seemed set pf imperial expansion in the north of China.
When did British interest start in Egypt ?
1861-5 - British interest in Egypt revived during the American civil war of 1861 to 1865, where British mills were starved of raw vital materials.Egypt whose cotton was one of particularly good quality attracted those who were anxious to find new sources of this vital material..British companies invested heavily into the production of cotton in Egypt.
How did Is’mail Pasha contribute to British interest when he came in power in 1863 ?
When Is’mail Pasha came to power in 1863 he was committed to the process of modernisation. Is’mail embarked on a number of project from irrigation , railways to schools
How did Britain end up with shares of the Suez Canal ?
In 1869, the Suez Canal opened.In 1875, Is’mail Pasha suffering debts sough foreign buyer of Suez shares.Disraeli obliged ( he is PM)
How did the impact of the Long Depression encourage new interest in expansion in Africa ?
The impact of the Long Depression on the industrialising countries also encouraged new markets for manufactured goods and new sources of raw materials might be utilised.French became more active in Africa in the 1880s while Germany started making annexations from 1884 in the south west and western regions.
Why were two conferences held ?
As a result of international developments and fears of military escalation
What did the conferences determine ?
To determine Europesns spheres of influence an control over African territory without causing conflict.Conferences are often regarded as the partition of Africa ( well known as the Scramble for Africa )
