History Flashcards: The Scramble for Africa

Study Notes

Scramble for Africa

The Scramble for Africa involved European powers occupying, dividing, and colonizing African territories from 1881 to 1914.
Only 10% of Africa was under European rule in 1870, which surged to nearly 90% by 1914.

Participating Nations

Major players included Britain and France, with Britain claiming much of eastern Africa and France occupying most of northwestern Africa.
Other colonial nations included Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, who acquired smaller territories.

Colonial Powers

The Ottoman Empire was the most powerful colonial entity in Africa by 1870, controlling regions in North Africa and the Balkans.
By 1914, Great Britain emerged as the dominant colonial power, supported by its formidable navy.

Initial Colonization Areas

Coastal regions were the first to be colonized due to easier accessibility.
Settlements formed where explorers first arrived and established trade with northern African nations.

Motivations for Colonization

Industrialization drove European countries to seek raw materials, such as copper, cotton, and rubber, along with precious resources like oil, gold, and diamonds.
Nationalism fueled competition among European nations to claim vast territories.
Religious motives included converting Africans to Christianity.

Challenges of Colonization

Diseases endemic to Africa caused high mortality rates among colonizers and their horses.
European firearms were often of poor quality, leading to reliance on traditional weapons, where locals had the advantage.
Local resistance was robust and fierce against colonial intruders.

Technological Advances

Steamships allowed easier inland travel, effectively replacing horses.
Quinine became essential in combating malaria.
Advances in gun technology, particularly machine guns, significantly aided colonial efforts.

Indirect Rule

"Ruling through natives" or indirect rule involved maintaining local leaders while controlling them, a strategy preferred to direct appointments from European powers.

Exploration and Adventure

Exploring Africa was seen as an adventure, fueling further motivations for colonization.
The search for the Nile's source and other landmarks intensified competition among European nations.

Notable Figures

Dr. David Livingstone: A Scottish medical missionary and explorer who advocated for African humanitarian issues and against slavery, respected local populations, and worked to combat diseases.
Henry Stanley: A British journalist who famously located Livingstone in 1871; he conducted multiple expeditions in Africa, establishing trade posts and promoting Belgian King Leopold II’s interests in the Congo.

Major Rivers

Key rivers in Africa include the Congo, Niger, and Nile.

Belgian Congo

The Belgian Congo was primarily known for ivory and rubber, with additional resources like diamonds and gold.
Established by Henry Stanley, it became a significant territory for exploitation under King Leopold II.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Scramble for Africa with these flashcards. Learn about the key events, participating countries, and the overall impact of European colonization in Africa during the late 19th century. Perfect for history enthusiasts and students alike!