The Colonization of Africa: 1880 to 1914

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The Scramble for Africa took place during the period of time around 1880 until 1914. During this time Africa found itself being split up and divided amongst several European countries. In essence Africa was like a fresh baked pie and everyone wanted a slice. Several factors were the cause of this major land grab being Nationalism, Imperialism and to say the least pure greed! The British were the more dominant entity in the scramble and their main interests in the beginning were to acquire and protect sea routes to India. As a result of the congress of Vienna they acquired the area of South Africa known as the cape colony. Soon after, Gold and Diamond were found north of this area and this steered their interests northward. This caused a need for a new railroad. One obstacle they had to deal with were the Dutch settlers known as the Boer’s who did not agree with British rule and had already been there long before they were. The railroad would pass thru some of their colonies and would eventually lead to the Boer wars. France had their hand in the cookie jar too. Their interests were primarily in Northwest Africa and their motives and trade commodities were slightly different. After being beat down by Prussia, France felt the need to redeem themselves, and acquiring parts of Africa to expand trade seemed like a great idea. They already had trade stations in this region from the slave days when slaves were being transported to America and their main interests were trading lumber and palm oils. France later controlled the island of Madagascar off the coast of South Africa and this gave them a much needed presence in the Indian Ocean. Germany entered the picture late in the game and almost missed out. They were ...

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... are among only a few of these benefits, but unlike Africa, there was not much bad to contrast the good in these countries as a result of their exploits,

A weak argument can be brought forth as to the good that colonial expansion brought to Africa; education was improved, trade was increased, the infant mortality rate decreased, the infrastructure was improved, and religion and western influence were introduced, these last two are very arguable as to the benefit, but these improvements no matter how large or small will always be overshadowed by the suffering, torture, death, and destruction caused by this colonization.

Works Cited

(1.)Koenig, Shulamith. "PDHRE: Slavery Convention." People's Movement for Human Rights Education. The People's Movement for Human Rights Education (PDHRE) / NY Office. 27 Nov. 2011

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