Colonisation of Africa
The scramble for Africa
The Scramble for Africa
In the late 1800s, European countries rushed to claim territories in Africa. At the Berlin Conference (1884-85), Europeans divided Africa among themselves without consulting Africans. By 1914, almost all of Africa was colonised.
Example
Colonisation of Africa
Britain: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt
France: West Africa, North Africa
Portugal: Mozambique, Angola
Germany: Namibia, Tanzania
Only Ethiopia and Liberia remained independent.
Motives: raw materials, land, trade, power
Note
Remember
Colonisation exploited Africa's people and resources. Borders drawn by Europeans ignored ethnic groups, causing conflicts that continue today. African people resisted throughout. Most countries gained independence in the 1960s.
Key Vocabulary
Scramble for AfricaThe rapid claiming of African territory by European powers
Berlin Conference1884-85 meeting where Europeans divided Africa
ColonialismOne country ruling and exploiting another
IndependenceA country governing itself, free from foreign control
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Scramble for Africa
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