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Why was Africa colonised in the years 1870-1914
Introduction
Before 1870 the African continent was not "unknown" to the rest of the world. Africans had been trading directly with the Europeans and Americans before 1500. The possible reasons behind colonialism that have been suggested include missionary, technology, and Imperial rivalry.
It is important to try to distinguish between the difference in the term's colonialism and imperialism. They have often been exchanged such that they follow the same meaning. However the English Oxford dictionary definition implies that colonialism is a method of "establishing colonies" while imperialism is defined as a policy or practice of extending a states rule over other territories.
"To remain a great nation or to become one, you must colonise" French statesman Leon Gambetta (Joll 1990, p.81)
The interest in Africa had begun long before 1870. The British had a key interest in Egypt while the French had occupied Algeria since the Early 1830's. However regardless of the fact that the Europeans had a foot in Africa they still felt the need to set some ground rules for the "scramble" of her land. This was achieved via the international Berlin Conference during 1884-1885. One of the main reasons behind the conference seemed to be due to be the British occupation of Egypt in 1882. This had aggrieved other powers, as they wanted to claim terriorty elsewhere.
The reasons for the colonisation of Africa are vast, as the demand and manner of colonisation varied from country to country.
It has been argued that one of Britains main needs for land in Africa was result of her need to protect India from political threat and secure routes to India. India was "the Brightest Jewel in the Imperial Crown" (Hobsbawn 1999, p.69), which resulted in her being a focal point in the British foreign policy. This seemed to drive the British "scramble for Africa" during 1880's and 1890's. An example of this was the construction of the Suez Canal, which resulted in the formation of a much shorter and safer route to India after 1869. Thus Egypt became a great stragertical importance to Britain. Although British occupation of Egypt in 1882 had originally been the result to protect investor interest in Egypt, its retention was seen to be due to the fact that it was of vital section to the route to India. The further expansion in Central and East Africa appeared to be the result of British preoccupation with regards to the security of Egypt. Of significant importance was the Upper Nile, as control of this by a rival power would lead to the loss of control of the water supply on which the whole of Egyptian economic life depended.
Germany and Italy need to expand into Africa seem to be a matter of national prestige rather then an economic advantage. During the late 1880's and early 1900's Italy was a vastly overpopulated nation. A great number of the Italian citizens travelled abroad to find [next page]