The Scramble for Africa

Imperialism - The policy of powerful countries that seek to control the economic and political affairs of weaker countries or regions.

Do Now:

How does the cartoon of Africa demonstrate the idea of imperialism?

Scramble for Africa: The rapid division and occupation of the African Continent by European countries that were practicing Imperialism.

Largely took place between 1880-1913

Why would European countries want to have land in Africa?

Scramble for Africa: The rapid division and occupation of the African Continent by European countries that were practicing Imperialism.

Largely took place between 1880-1913

Why would European countries want to have land in Africa?

● Raw materials and other resources

● Political control● Power

What problems do you think were created when several European countries (very quickly) realized they all wanted land in Africa?

Berlin Conference: 1884-85

A meeting between European nations to create rules on how to peacefully divide Africa among them for colonization.

Scramble for Africa and Berlin Conference explained:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dXpAVE3frk

Berlin Conference Article Questions

1. Who called the meeting?2. At the time of the conference, what percentage of

Africa remained under traditional/local control?3. How many countries were represented at the

conference?4. How long did the conference last?5. How many countries were created by the

conference?

What about the people that already lived there?

Indigenous Population: Also known as first peoples, are ethnic groups who are the original settlers of a given region, in contrast to groups that have settled, occupied, or colonized that area more recently.

Europeans brought a lot to Africa...• New Language• New Culture• New Diseases

Diffusion!!!

Age of Imperialism (1870 – 1919)

* By 1914, European countries had seized control of almost all of Africa and Southeast Asia.

Reasons for Imperialism:1) ECONOMICS – European countries wanted raw materials and consumers for their products

Reasons for Imperialism:

3) DUTY – Many Europeans believed that it was their duty to spread Christianity and culture to other “backward” people.Example: “White Man’s Burden”, poem by Rudyard Kipling

2) COMPETITION – European countries wanted to take over an area before their competitors were able to

Connections to the DTM1. How does the Scramble for Africa relate to the

Demographic Transition Model?a. What stage was Europe in at the time?b. What did Europe need to keep their economy

growing at the time?

Scramble for Africa: The Game1. Claim territory according to your goals2. Starting with Great Britain and going clockwise, place 1

piece of paper on the map to claim territory until all countries have used up their paper

3. You may place over another country’s claim4. Once all countries have claimed territory, resolve any

conflicts through wars

Answer in complete sentences...1. Did you reach your country’s goal?2. Based on the game, what do you think the

real goals of European countries were during the “Scramble for Africa”?

3. Was the real “Scramble for Africa” successful? If so, who was it successful for? Who was it unsuccessful for?

NetherlandsPortugalGreat BritainPrincely States of India (British protectorates)

RussiaJapanFranceUnited States

Check for UnderstandingThink about the three reasons for imperialism. Why would the “mother” country set up colonies in the areas that they take over?

What do you think the definition of colonialism is?