European Imperialism in Africa
Why did Europeans have an interest in Africa?
Economic
· Africa was a new market for manufactured goods as well as a source of raw materials
Military
· Strategic locations and waterways: Suez Canal and Strait of Gibraltar
Social
· The push to “ civilize” Africa with a white man’s culture through religion and social customs
Power & Prestige
· The more territory you controlled, the more powerful country you had
Positive Effects:
1. European nutrition and medicine increased the life span of Africans. This led to the growth of population.
2. Europeans will introduce modern transportation and communications: Such as telegraphs, railroads, steamships, and telephones.
3. A small minority of Africans received improved education and greater economic opportunities.
Negative Effects:
1. European domination often led to the erosion of traditional African Values and destroyed many existing social relationships.
2. African people were treated as inferior to the Europeans. Native people were forced to work long hours for little pay.
- Europeans divided up Africa with no respect for tribal, ethnic, and cultural boundaries. These divisions have led to ongoing clashes in many African countries.
