New Imperialism and Its Causes

The domination of one country over another country's political, economic, or cultural life.

Aggressive European expansion during the 1800s.

The need for raw materials and new markets due to the Industrial Revolution.

The need for naval bases and expanding influence for national security.

The belief that Western civilization was superior and had a duty to spread it.

The idea that Europeans were racially superior and destined to dominate weaker races.

The decline of older civilizations like the Ottoman Empire and Mughal India.

Strong economies, organized governments, advanced militaries, and technology.

Resisting Western expansion with local rebellions and organized nationalist movements.

Direct rule by sending officials and soldiers to administer colonies.

A strong African kingdom in the forest regions of West Africa that engaged in trade with Europeans and Muslims during the early 1800s. The Asante's powerful position and lack of unity led them to be exploited by both Europeans and the smaller states they controlled.

The practice of European nations claiming African territory and establishing colonial administrations during the late 19th century. This scramble was motivated by a desire for resources, trade, and political power.

A conference held in Berlin, Germany in 1884, where European powers met to divide Africa into colonies. African leaders were not invited to the conference, and the decisions made at the conference had a significant impact on the future of Africa.

The region of Africa that was known for its strong Muslim influence and the transportation of slaves to the Middle East during the early 1800s.

A major leader of the Zulu nation in southern Africa. His military conquests united the Zulu people and led to conflict with the Boers, Dutch settlers in the region.

The European belief that Africa was a mysterious and unexplored land due to its dense interior, difficult rivers, and diseases that prevented extensive European explorations.

The practice of Europeans establishing colonies in Africa and exploiting its resources. This was often accompanied by the imposition of European political and economic systems on African societies.

A British explorer and missionary known for his extensive explorations of Africa, his opposition to the slave trade, and his writings about native cultures he encountered.

The exploitation of the Congo Free State by King Leopold II of Belgium. This involved the brutal treatment of Congolese people, forced labor, and the extraction of natural resources such as rubber and ivory. The atrocities committed in the Congo led to international condemnation and the transfer of control to the Belgian government.

The French invasion and colonization of Algeria in the 1830s, followed by the expansion of French control into other parts of North and West Africa. By the end of the 19th century, the French empire in Africa had grown to encompass a vast territory equivalent in size to the continental United States.

The conflict between the British and the Boers (Dutch settlers) in South Africa over control of gold and diamond resources. It involved guerilla warfare and resulted in a British victory, but at a significant cost. The British established the Union of South Africa in 1910, under white minority rule and racial segregation, known as apartheid.

The successful resistance of Ethiopia against Italian invasion in 1896, under the leadership of Emperor Menelik II. Ethiopia's modernization efforts, including military strengthening and the acquisition of modern weaponry, contributed to its victory at the Battle of Adowa. Ethiopia, along with Liberia, remained the only independent African nations.

The emergence of a Western-educated elite in Africa during the colonial era. This elite, while admiring western ways and education, was often divided on the issue of rejecting African culture and adopting Western values. This group played a crucial role in the growing movement for independence and self-determination.

The increasing resistance to colonial rule in Africa by Africans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The fight for independence was fueled by the desire for self-determination and an end to European control.

The policy of racial segregation and discrimination implemented in South Africa from 1948 until 1993. Apartheid denied basic rights to the majority Black population, perpetuating a system of racial injustice and oppression.