Imperialism in South Africa

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During Imperialistic times South Africa was a region of great resources that was greatly disputed over (Ellis). Europe’s main goal during these times was to compete against each other and played a “game” of which country can imperialize more African countries than the other. Imperialism was a curse to South Africa, because many wars, laws, and deaths were not necessary and would not have happened if South Africa were not imperialized. Imperialism is the domination by one country of political, economic, or cultural life of another country or region and occurred during the 1800’s in Africa. Imperialism in Africa was caused by four factors in Europe: economy, politics/military, humanitarian/religion, and Social Darwinism (Ellis). The Industrial Revolution in Europe caused the need for oversea expansion because the manufacturers needed things like: rubber, petroleum, and palm oil all of which Africa had. Europe moving into Africa was also caused by nationalism, when France went into Africa so did Britain (Ellis). The difference between France and Britain was the way of rule they used. There are four different methods of imperialism: direct, indirect, protectorate, and sphere of influence. The most popular were direct and indirect. The French used direct, they sent officials and soldiers from France to administer their colonies and their purpose was to inflict French culture on their colonies and make them into French provinces (Ellis). The British, however, used indirect, they used chiefs to oversee their colonies and encouraged the children in the colonies to get education in Britain. The British “Westernized” their colonies and only used military force when threatened (Ellis). South Africa was imperialized by Britain in 1806, but ... ... middle of paper ... ... Stephen. "British Empire: The Map Room: Africa: Cape Colony." British Empire: The Map Room: Africa: Cape Colony. Web. 04 May 2014. Luscomb, Stephen. "British Empire: The Map Room: Africa: Transvaal." British Empire: The Map Room: Africa: Transvaal. Web. 01 May 2014. "Movement towards Republic." The Union of South Africa: Movement towards Republic | South African History Online. South African History Online, Web. 04 May 2014. "Physicians (per 1,000 People)." Data. Web. 04 May 2014. "South Africa & Imperialism." Web. 28 Apr. 2014. "South Africa Profile." BBC News. 10 Dec. 2013. Web. 01 May 2014. "South Africa." A Short History of South Africa. Web. 02 May 2014. "The Three Branches of Government." Congress for Kids: [Constitution]: The Three Branches of Government. Web. 04 May 2014. "United Kingdom Population 2014." World Population Review. Web. 27 Apr. 2014.

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