How far was British expansion in East and West Africa driven by the men on the spot Essay Example

Sultan’s authority. As a result, Mackinnon’s impact was limited.

The suggestion of significantly expanding in a certain part of Africa was made by a person, who could have contributed towards driving the expansion. Meanwhile, a German man named Karl Peters was also seeking to expand his country's authority in East Africa. Despite being advised by the government that he was acting alone, Peters forged numerous treaties with different chiefs. Following the conclusion of the Berlin West Africa conference, the German government declared their acceptance of the territories secured by Peters. The interest shown by Germany also prompted Britain to acquire additional land in East Africa, which may not have transpired otherwise. In West Africa, Sir George Goldie played a pivotal role.

After receiving shares in a company trading on the Niger, Goldie travelled to the region in 1879 and convinced multiple trading companies to merge and form the United Africa Company, later renamed the National African Company. This success drew the attention of the British government, especially since French companies were threatening their trade on the Niger. Goldie and Lord Aberdare attempted to negotiate a deal with France to halt their actions below Timbuktu, but eventually, Goldie and his company drove the French out themselves in 1884 through undercutting their prices. By bringing together various traders on the Niger, Goldie demonstrated the substantial nature of their businesses and urged the British government to take a closer look at West Africa.

West Africa's trading potential caught the attention of the British government, motivating them to take a closer look. Foreign competition fueled rapid expansion in Africa as countries sought to enhance or safeguard their global standing. In East Africa,

Germany, France, and Britain were the primary players. Karl Peters, Germany's representative, had already claimed territories for his country, prompting Britain to secure land in the region as well. Despite unknown sources of wealth, Britain was determined to take the risk and prevent other countries from benefiting in any way.

At this moment, Britain held the top spot as the foremost imperial power across the globe and was determined to maintain its position. France's growing interest in East Africa drew Britain's attention to the region, leading to contemplation of expansion. Meanwhile, various foreign powers had taken an interest in West Africa, enticed by its valuable products such as palm oil. As with East Africa, Britain aimed to prevent other countries from acquiring extensive land holdings that could pose a threat to their supremacy. The potential wealth available in West Africa further strengthened the argument for expansion amidst foreign competition.

The expansion of the French colony of Senegal was led by General Faidherbe in the 1850s. This expansion almost overlapped with the British colony of Gambia, which was insignificant to Britain but they were reluctant to relinquish their control over it. However, France's expansion was not limited to Senegal alone, as Admiral Jaureguibbery supported Charles Freycinet's extensive plans for West Africa.

France's desire to create a vast railway network connecting Senegal, Algeria, and Upper Niger signaled to the British their serious intention to expand in West Africa, which they sought to prevent. Meanwhile, King Leopold of Belgium had his own ambitions to expand his colonial empire. The Berlin West Africa Conference, organized by von Bismarck in 1884-1885, aimed to address these colonial aspirations.

Three key decisions were made: free trade

on the Congo River and on the Niger River, and Britain's control over the lower and middle Niger region. The requirement for 'effective occupation' was imposed on countries to maintain control over a region, which ensured the safety of Britain's traders. Despite this, the fear of France, Germany and other nations persisted, compelling Britain to do more. Expansion was also driven by internal affairs and local crises. Religious conflict, particularly the persecution of Christians, was a serious issue in East Africa. The Buganda people were originally pagan until Islamic faith was introduced by Zanzibar traders in the 1860s.

Moreover, Henry Morton Stanley brought to light the conflicting assertions of Christianity which resulted in three factions: Muslim, English Protestant, and French Catholic. In the years 1885-1886, Mwanga, the newly appointed king, committed certain barbaric acts. Specifically, he sanctioned the killing of James Hannington, an Anglican bishop.

Moreover, a group of 30 pages who had converted to Catholicism and refused to renounce it were massacred. During the late 1880s, Uganda was experiencing a civil war. Because it would not be acceptable for one government to allow its citizens to be killed because of their religion by another government, the British government may have interceded and expanded its presence in the region in order to protect its people and interests. In West Africa, the British tried to safeguard their citizens, particularly traders, by expanding their territories. The Ashanti Confederation repeatedly fought against the British in the East due to their opposition to British attempts to prevent them from profiting from their slave trading activities.

During the year 1823, the Ashanti people emerged victorious against Sir Charles McCarthy and a small British

army, and to add insult to injury, they utilized McCarthy's skull as a drinking vessel. This bold defiance of British governance potentially aided in motivating Britain to pursue territorial expansion. The Ashanti aimed to expand their control over the coastal regions where the British held dominance.

Despite defeating Ashanti in 1826, the British did not attempt to move inland, indicating they had no interest in expansion. However, in 1844, the British government signed treaties with Fanti chiefs that provided them with some British protection, signaling a slowly growing expansion. This was further evidenced when in 1863, Ashanti invaded the British protectorate resulting in British casualties. Eventually, in 1873, under the leadership of Garnet Wolseley, the British defeated the Ashanti and briefly occupied their capital, Rheir.

In July 1874, the government's decision to make the Fanti a crown colony was largely motivated by the presence of British traders in the area and the desire to prevent expansion by the Ashanti, which threatened these traders. The British pursued expansion in West and East Africa due to factors including men on the spot, foreign competition, and internal affairs. In East Africa, Mackinnon may have introduced the idea of expansion, but competition from Germany was at least equally important. Protecting British missionaries also provided motivation for exerting authority.

In my opinion, Goldie played a slightly more significant role in West Africa than Mackinnon did in the East. Goldie succeeded in bringing together the traders and enhancing their authority over the British government. Regardless, the advancement of other nations posed a significant threat to Britain. The Ashanti wars highlighted the urgency for Britain to expand in West Africa to safeguard their

trading posts. The individuals present in these areas aided in directing the attention of the British government towards regions in Africa that had not yet been fully explored.

Although the men on the spot contributed to a small extent, it was primarily the competition from foreign nations in the East and the Ashanti wars in the West that drove Britain's expansion.