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European Imperialism in Africa: A Dark History Unveiled

Explore the ruthless seizure of Africa by European powers in the 19th century, driven by greed for resources, discriminatory beliefs, and technological superiority, leading to devastating consequences for the African populations. Learn about the Division of Africa, the Congo atrocities, and the economic impact of colonial rule.

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European Imperialism in Africa: A Dark History Unveiled

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  1. The Height of Imperialism Ch. 14

  2. Imperialism Seizure of a country or territory by a stronger country Stronger country controls political, economic and social life of weaker country

  3. Reasons for Imperialism • Raw materials • New markets • National pride • Empire = national greatness • Religion • End evil practices • Slave trade

  4. Racism • White is right • Social Darwinism • Superior people should rule • Non-Europeans seen as inferior • Duty of Europeans to “civilize,” “Westernize” • White Man’s Burden

  5. Divided Africa • Mid-1800s • Hundreds of ethnic groups • 1,000s of languages • Europe controls 10% • Could not travel in-land • Disease • Africans control own trade networks

  6. The Congo Sparks interest • King Leopold II of Belgium • Claimed wanted end to slave trade • Increase Christianity • Real goal was rubber • 10 million die because of abuse • Other nations alarmed by Belgian control

  7. Factors Promoting Imperialism • Technological superiority • Steam engine and ships • Railroads • Telegraph cables • Machine guns • Quanine • Protected Europeans from malaria

  8. The Division of Africa • Scramble for territory begins in 1880 • Discovery of diamonds in 1867 • Gold - 1886

  9. Berlin Conference • 14 European countries • 1884-1885 • Rules for division of Africa • Notify others of claim • Show they could control it • No African rulers invited • 1914 – only Ethiopia and Liberia independent

  10. Demand for Raw Materials Shapes Colonies • Countries think Africans will buy goods • Wrong

  11. Main source of wealth is rich mineral resources • Belgian Congo contains copper and tin • Small compared to diamonds and gold in South Africa

  12. Businesses develop cash-crop plantations • Peanuts, palm oil, cocoa, rubber • Displaces food grown by natives • Leads to starvation

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