African Imperialism – Flashcards

the takeover of a country or territory by a stronger nation with the intent of dominating the political, economic, and social life of the people of that nation

post age of exploration, motivated by mercantilism, mostly in the Americas, India, and Southeast Asia(1500-1800)

begins after industrial revolution (1850-1914), motivated by capitalism, driven by demands of the IR (countries needed raw materials and markets for finished products), focus on dominance, mostly in Africa --- CAPITALISM

the idea that one race is superior to others, motive for imperialism

those who are the fittest for survival socially -- coded, white -- enjoy wealth and success and are considered superior to others

1884-1885, fourteen European nations lay down the rules for the division of Africa. No African representation in conference, convened by German chancellor, goal was to diffuse territorial disputes

the policy or practice on the part of people in positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in the subordinates' supposed best interest--- Europeans saw Africans as children

absorbing the local population into the dominant one

sharing of cultures

emperor of Ethiopia during the Italian invasion, Battle of Adwa, one of the two African nations that were not colonized

local government officials were used, limited self rule, government institutions based on European style but many have local rule, goal is to develop future leaders of the economy, costs less than direct control and natives are more likely to accept the rule, utilized by Britain

foreign officials are brought in to rule no self rule in colony guided by paternalism supports assimilation, local population to absorb into the dominant culture

king of Belgium, responsible for cruel treatment of the Congolese in Belgian Congo, had private ownership of entire colony until it was taken away from him due to crimes against humanity and given instead to the Belgian government

tried to find the source of the Nile River, went to the Congo Henry Stanley was sent to find Livingstone, wrote a newspaper article about the congo Leopold read the article, heard about the natural resources in the Congo hired Stanley to colonize the congo by establishing unbalanced treaties with the local chiefs

sent to Congo to find Livingstone, found him, wrote an article, Leopold read that there was an abundance of resources cause of the Scramble for Africa

divided based on tribal relations, not nations with borders

economic political and military social: racism, christian missionary impulse nationalism

industrialization→ stronger economies, more funding need for raw materials, natural resources demand for new markets to sell goods desire to invest profits, new opportunities to make money, cheap land outlet for growing pop Cheap labor

bases needed for merchant and naval vessels nationalism and prestige of global empire strong, centrally governed nation

advances in communication -- telegraph cables modern medicine (like vaccine for malaria, so colonists could travel to Africa) weaponry (Maxim gun) advances in overseas travel - steam ships (previously 2 month voyage → 2 weeks)

spread Christianity share western civilization racism social Darwinism

Regulated European colonization and trade The initial task of the conference was to agree that the Congo River and Niger River mouths and basins would be considered neutral and open to trade. Despite its neutrality, part of the Congo Basin became a personal kingdom for Belgium's King Leopold II and under his rule, over half of the region's population died.

colony,protectorate,Economic Imperialism, Spheres of Influence

under the guide of Menelik II, the Ethiopians used strategic tactics and modern weapons to defeat Italy in the Battle of Adwa strong sense of nationalism

The French used direct control in their colonies while the British used indirect control.

cut off people's hands when they refused to comply or did not have enough rubber manipulated them so that they would not rebel

Positive modernized society Negative ethnic groups were separated by borders of countries colonized by different countries were forced to assimilate into European cultures Europeans believed in social Darwinism

many stereotypes mask the reality of Africa today

Vietnam Laos Cambodia

a country or region governed internally by a foreign power

a country with its own internal government but governed by an external power

independent but less developed nations controlled by private business interests rather than by other governments

dominant countries would ammex certain regions and claim complete economic control, no other countries could trade with them