Scramble For Africa Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was the significance of the Berlin Conference 1884-5?
It formalised European colonisation and trade in Africa, setting rules to avoid conflict; it also judtified partitioning Africa by calling it “civilising”.
Evidence: Britain gained Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria as part of the division.
What role did the Suez Canal play in British interest in Egypt
Vital trade route to India; it’s control offered strategic and economic advantages
Evidence: 80% of British ships used it by the 1890s.
How did missionary activity support imperialism
Provided moral justification through the “civilising mission”
Evidence: David Livingstone’s expeditions combined religious outreach with exploration.
What was the significane of King Leopold II in the Scramble for Arfrica?
His actions in the Congo forced European powers to regulate colonial activity at Berlin
Evidence: Estimated 10 million Congolese died under Leopold’s private rule (Adam Hochschild).
Which African regions did Britain acquire between 1880 - 1900?
Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and parts of Southern Africa (Rhodesia)
How did relations with the Boers challenge British ambitions?
Boer resistance led to the Second Boer War (1899-1902) and exposed British brutality.
How did British policy toward the Bantu differ from their treatment of the Boers?
Bantu were subjected to indirect rule and raciel hierarchy; Boers were seen as political rivals - somewhat equals.
What were the economic motives behind imperial expansion into Africa?
Access to raw materials like gold, diamonds, palm oil and new materials
What ideological did the British use for empire in Africa?
The civilising mission and Social Darwinism
How did missionary work influence British actions in Africa?
Spread Christianity, justified colonisation as moral duty.
Evidence: David Livingstone
