Scramble for Africa Flashcards
When was the Brussels Conference and who attended?
1876 -Held by King Leopold of Belgium for the leaders from geographical societies across Europe
What were the effects of Brussels Conference? (esp in Congo)
Increased European superstition: International African Association sent Henry Morton Stanley to advise in Congo region and became apparent that Leopold wanted his own Congo Empire French and German hired explorers- and Portugal asserted claims to control mouth of Congo River in 1884
What were the conclusions of the Brussels Conference ?
- Africans were incapable of developing natural resources
- European intervention in Africa was necessary
- Routes to great lakes must be opened with infrastructure
When was the Berlin Conference and who attended?
1884-85. Hosted by German Diplomat Otto von Bismarck and representatives of major European powers attended to divide up Africa
What ideas were discussed/negotiated at the Berlin Conference?
- Powers negotiate their respective claims to territory; ‘spheres of influence’ established;key ideas re free trade and accessible communication (esp near the Congo)
- Believed there should be co-operation amongst the European powers
- Effective occupation principle affirmed by the signing of the General Act by all who attended
What is effective occupation?
A European power could assert claim to land if it was effectively occupied by them ie if it had local administration set up
What did Berlin conference lead to?
Mainly because of idea of effective occupation, led to scramble for Africa: by 1890, 90% of Africa in European hands vs 1870, 10% of Africa was occupied
