The Scramble for Africa

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DefinitionThe Scramble for Africa:

the "carving up" of Africa by Europeans in preparation for colonialism.

New borders and land grabs by European countries were decided at the Berlin Conference (1884-1885).

Berlin ConferenceLegitimizes “Scramble for Africa”

European powers formally sanction partition of continent

Imperialism occurring elsewhere around the world: India, Southeast Asia, Latin America

No Africans are invited to attend the conference

European powers could occupy African territoryhad to “effectively occupy” for sovereignty

no claims unless government office established

Saw themselves as “liberators”process of occupation was often violent

Factors Behind European Imperialism

PoliticalNationalist rivalriesBalance of power politicsSocial imperialism

EconomicNeed to acquire and control nee marketsSearch for valuable natural resources

MilitaryMore advanced weaponry and armiesAllowed for subjugation of the continent

Countries InvolvedGermany

Sought to drive a wedge between British and French claims.

East and southwest AfricaEspecially violent

Great BritainObtained the most valuable possessions.Egypt, Sudan, and southern Africa

FranceWanted to compensate for land lost to Germany in

Europe.“Owned” land exceeding the size of the U.S.

BelgiumClaims the Congo region (including Rwanda)