There’s many speculations on the reasoning for the Imperialism of Africa by many European countries, which started in 1870, when roughly 10% of Africa was under European control, it quickly got out of hand as countries all over Europe began seizing land in Africa. The scramble for African colonies ended up in the Berlin Conference in 1884 and 1885, where European countries met together to formally divide up Africa. Because of how little time Europe wasted taking over Africa, the biggest question that arises is why? What were the driving forces behind European Imperialism in Africa? Although it’s debated by many that the biggest reasons had to do with the technology that Africa had to offer, as well as the economical resources it allowed Europe, …show more content…
A French woman can be seen coming down as the Africans around her were amazed. In France, as well as many other European countries, women were seen as the caretaker, it can also be seen like that as she has no weapon, only a cornucopia which is overflowing with riches. The image can be used to ensure that many Europeans didn’t come to harm Africans, but bring civilization to those in need, like a mother, to guide and teach them of their religious and beneficial ways. On the more selfish side, one of the reasoning's for Europeans scrambling to claim African territory so quickly was because of the political pressure and benefits that came from receiving the land. As seen in document A, there presents a map of Africa towards 1914. Because it is such a large piece of land, and so many lived there, it was more than ideal for European countries with enemies that were taking over colonies, to get at larger pieces before their foes could. A statesman of Germany once told a German official, “All this colonial business is a sham, but we need it for the elections.” Saying that even though there were some who believed that there weren’t many benefits of taking over African colonies, it was necessary to look good for the upcoming elections, and to stay ahead of their
Europe, in the late 1800’s, was starting a land grab on the African continent. Around 1878, most of Africa was unexplored, but by 1914, most of Africa, with the lucky exception of Liberia and Ethiopia, was carved up between European powers. There were countless motivations that spurred the European powers to carve Africa, like economic, political, and socio–cultural, and there were countless attitudes towards this expansion into Africa, some of approval and some of condemnation. Europe in this period was a world of competing countries. Britain had a global empire to lead, France had competition with Britain for wealth and so did other nations like Germany and Russia.
Throughout the 19th century, European Imperialism had a major effect on Africa. As countries expanded in terms of wealth, resources, and innovation, more territory and workers were needed. The first solution to solve these problems was to begin colonizing in Africa. The driving force for imperialism in Europe and Africa was mainly economical. This economical approach was established through many ways including cultural and nationalistic ideas.
Introduction: The epoch of imperialism cannot be defined simply as a proliferation of inflated egos tied to the hardened opinions of nationalists, but also a multi-faceted global rivalry with roots of philosophies tainted with racism and social Darwinism. The technique of each imperialist was specific to the motivations and desires of each combative, predominantly Western power and subsequently impacted the success of each imperialist and its colonies. Driven by industrialization, Europeans are aware of the urgent need for raw materials and new markets to maintain a constant rate of expansion and wealth. Imperialism became a competition; in general, the European countries led with fervor while the non-Western regions deemed likely to be stepped on.
The strive for wealth was one of the factors of the spread of imperialism. After an abundance of raw materials was found in Africa, many countries began scrambling for land to create an empire. Many of these countries were industrialized, such as Britain, Germany, and France. Because of their industries and factories, they needed more resources and raw materials. They took over lands in Africa to supply their countries with material...
As the 20th century approached, more and more countries grew desperate for land, resulting in an imperialistic activity known as the Scramble for Africa. The European imperialists were motivated by three main factors; economic, political, and social. These factors made countries compete for power and eventually led to the scramble for African territory. Although economic expansion at times was a positive outcome of European imperialism in Africa, these positive effects are outweighed by negative outcomes such as loss of culture and independence.
Prior to the arrival of European traders, the continent of Africa had developed sophisticated society as it demonstrated its ability to maintain advanced civilizations, withhold three major empires, and gain wealth through trade. Although European traders did advance organized society in Africa, it would be false to say that prior to their arrival Africa was underdeveloped.
The "DBQ Project" What Is the Driving Force Behind European Imperialism in Africa? (2012): 257. pp. 177-177. Print.
What motives did Europe have to colonize Africa? Trans-Atlantic free trade in Africa was the biggest deportation in history and a determining factor in the world economy of the 18th century. Rule of occupation in the 18th century was the idea that a colonizing country must actually have roads, soldiers, and a working government in a country before it is considered an official one. Free trade throughout Africa was dealing with countries without restrictions; international trade left to its natural course without tariffs, or quotas. Economics, Cultural Attitudes, and Geopolitical Competition motivated Europe to colonize Africa.
Q3. The idea of imperialism was spreading throughout the world, specifically in the European nations in a instantaneous way. It was beginning to thrive throughout the different nations as they began looking for more land. The European nations were extremely intrigued by the idea of imperialism when their attention had been turned to the continent of Africa. During this time, European nations were looking to expand their land. Additionally, they were on a mission to find new raw resources within the African nation to help boost their industrial productions. At first, European nations would begin by controlling only small portions of land mainly located on the coast of Africa. Unfortunately for Europe, expansion would prove to be rather hard as three major aspects in Africa stood in their way.
The driving force behind European imperialism in Africa steamed from manly three different sources. Such as imports and exports, technology and imperialism and national pride. By 1800s Africa was under full assault as European nations competed with one another for complete control of the continent. This essay will fully explain what the three primary driving forces behind European imperialism in Africa were.
Another reason that European imperialism in Africa was justified, is the fact that Europeans did not take over Africa solely for their self interests. As plainly stated in excepts from Lord Carnarvon's records. "...it is certainly not a desire of selfish interests..." Clearly, those who argue that Europeans just wanted to benefit themselves through the imperialism of Africa, are incorrect.
There was a lot of driving forces when it came to imperialism in Africa there was a lot of driving forces when it comes to imperialism in Africa such as national pride and money.All of these driving forces had the biggest impact on imperialism in Africa for example technological advancement caused the europeans to find a vaccine for Malaria and that allowed them to venture further into Africa.
Throughout history, imperialism has led countries to extend their rule over weaker countries and then colonized those countries to expand their own power. Imperialism allows the ruling countries to use the weaker countries for their resources. Colonizing other countries would then lead to growth and a better reputation for the dominating country. There are many examples of imperialism throughout European history. When many European countries “scrambled” for Africa, it seemed as though Africa had no say in anything. During the 19th century, Europe found a way to use Africa for their own growth and power. Using Africa for their resources, the Europeans colonized Africa without a second thought. European imperialism in Africa had a negative impact because of social disarray, cultural loss, and death it caused.
The explanations for Europe’s colonization of Africa, then, are as diverse and manifold as the conjectures of history will allow. It is likely that each supposition contains some elements of reality and holds some explanatory power. However, it is probably the combination of several suppositions that is best suited to capture the motivating factors. It becomes us to bear in mind that the conquest of Africa was not carried out by a monolithic entity with a single set of objectives. Consequently, the question “Why did Europe colonize Africa?” demands a thorough exploration of all factors, domestic and foreign, influencing a particular state’s conquest in a particular part of the African continent.
An overwhelming majority of African nations has reclaimed their independence from their European mother countries. This did not stop the Europeans from leaving a permanent mark on the continent however. European colonialism has shaped modern-day Africa, a considerable amount for the worse, but also some for the better. Including these positive and negative effects, colonialism has also touched much of Africa’s history and culture especially in recent years.