Describe and explain the growth of imperialism in general and its impact on Africa in particular. Also, with reference to selected examples, describe and account for the colonial rivalries that consequently developed.
Imperialism- is “where one country possesses, governs or controls other countries beyond its own borders.” At the start of the 20th century, nations started to engage in ‘aggressive pursuit of colonies, accompanied by their intense rivalry with one another and motivated by notions of their own racial and intellectual superiority to the peoples whom they sought to control.’ Their aim was to build up their power and wealth through the conquering of various countries which they perceived as inferior.
Imperialism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century was characterised by the Industrial Revolution that was occurring at roughly the same time. Industrialisation and technology changed the very nature of imperialism- through the development of military, communications and transportation technologies. Thus imperialism grew at a rapid rate. This new imperialism was characterised by an enormous inequality in the distribution of power. In fact, so much so, that the period between 1870 and 1914 became known as the ‘age of imperialism’. There were no conventions that regulated the rapid and aggressive rate at which the European powers ‘scrambled’ for territories.
Source 1- The Mad Scramble for Africa, by David Bainbridge
Source 1 is a cartoon depicting various European nations each pulling on a blanket-like Africa, each wanting a piece of it. The source is reliable as it is not biased, simply depicting what was happening at that time. It can be corroborated by other sources. The caption, ‘The Mad Scramble for Africa’ was used to describe the European nations’ rush to conquer and divide up the African continent.
For the European empires, Africa provided a market in which their manufactured goods could be sold, as well as supply them with the raw materials like oil, diamonds, gold, copper and tin that they needed to further production. African colonies also provided cheap labour, and African coastal trading ports were important for trade and investment. A famous British economist, J. A. Hobson- argued that the real driving force of imperialism was ‘capitalistic greed’.
Take up the White Man's burden-- Send forth the best ye breed-- Go bind your sons to exile To serve your captives' need; To wait in heavy harness, On fluttered folk and wild-- Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half-devil and half-child.
- Excerpt from The White Man’s Burden, by Rudyard Kipling in 1899
Source 2
Source 2 demonstrates the perspective of a British poet on imperialism. He describes it as their duty, or mission civilisatrice, as superior ‘civilised’ nations to bring political, social and cultural benefits to inferior, ‘uncivilised’ nations. This demonstrates an attitude of racism towards the colonial people, as Kipling describes them as “new caught…people, half devil and half child,’ reflecting European views of that time- that Africans were primitive and uncivilised.
However the Europeans’ mission civilisatrice undermined the sense of unity that the native people derived from their own culture. Ultimately, it divided the native people and hence it made any opposition to European rule a futile attempt. Many traditional African values were destroyed.
“I regard the idea of imperialism as a crime against humanity, because it enables any part of the human race which is armed with modern scientific knowledge to rule over less fortunate sections of mankind, simply because the latter are unable to resist the force which supports such rule. We demand the right to take over responsibility for the government of our country. We demand the right to be free to make mistakes and learn from our experience.”
- Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904 –1996)- first president of independent Nigeria
Source 3
Source 3 shows the perspective of imperialism from an African point of view. It reflects the widespread view that imperialism as unfair, describing it as a “crime against humanity”. It demonstrates African support for independence and self-determination.
European rule created divisions between African tribes where there they previously did not exist. For example, when Belgium took over Rwanda-Burundi, they forced the population to carry cards identifying them as either Hutu (the ethnic majority) or Tutsi (the previously ruling minority).
However, since many of the people did not know which of these they were, the Belgians decided that anyone who owned more than ten cows was Tutsi. This created much division and resentment between the population, as the Tutsi received special privileges, like the best education.
By claiming ownership of the land, the Europeans disregarded tribal, ethnic and cultural boundaries, which caused tribal clashes.
Although the Europeans exploited the native Africans in terms of labour and land, there were some benefits of European imperialism. These included roads, railways, schools, hospitals, improved sanitation, and better farming methods. These benefits, as well as medicine and better nutrition, increased the life expectancy of Africans. Some also received better education and economic opportunities.
The ‘scramble for Africa’ created colonial rivalries, as each European power competed with another to claim as much control of Africa as possible. For example, Britain and France were competing for control of the Suez Canal, which linked the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It was important for trade as it allowed passage between Europe and Asia, without having to go all the way around Africa. Britain was afraid that French control of the Canal would threaten British trade with its Indian colony. In 1875, Britain snatched control of the Suez Canal from France, effectively giving it control of Egypt in 1882. This in turn created a lapse in relations with France.
Each European nation strived to be the best, and aspired to achieve the same status and power as Britain- the world’s greatest power. As a result, aggressive competition between the great European powers escalated, during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, largely fuelled by nationalism, as well as the need for status and power. This led to colonial rivalries, demonstrated in the below source.
“All great nations in the fullness of their strength have desired to set their mark upon barbarian lands & those who fail to participate in this great rivalry will play a pitiable role in time to come.”
- Heinrich von Treitschke (1834 –1896)- German historian during the time of the German Empire
Source 4
Source 4 depicts the perspective of a German historian at the time of imperialism. It is important as it gives insight into the scramble for Africa as well as general imperialism. They all wanted to “set their mark upon barbarian lands.”
Colonial rivalry between France and Italy occurred when France took control of Tunisia (1881), as Italy had also wanted to control it. Italy responded by allying with Germany, France’s enemy.
There was further tension between Germany and France when Germany challenged French control in Morocco, which also added to anti German sentiment.
There was tension between Germany and France due to the latter harbouring resentment against their defeat by Germany in the Franco-Prussian war (1870) and the loss of the French territory Alasce-Lorraine. Germany’s imperialistic ambitions also added to this tension.
France and Britain had competing interests in Africa. France wanted to unite its colonies from East Africa to West Africa, while Britain wanted to unite its colonies from North Africa to South Africa. This caused tension between both powers, as their ‘line of colonies’ crossed in Sudan- and only one power could take control. In the end, they entered an ‘entente cordiale’, in which Britain allowed French control of Morocco while France allowed British control of Sudan.
In conclusion, imperialism is the policy of acquiring colonies that are politically submissive and economically profitable to their imperial owners. It resulted in the exploitation of many countries perceived a s ‘inferior’, but especially those in Africa during the European ‘scramble for Africa’. As a result, there was much conflict between the European powers and their colonies, as well conflict between the European powers. By 1912, all of Africa except Ethiopia and Liberia were ruled as European colonies. By 1914, 85% of the Earth’s surface was dominated by European powers.
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