Special Committee Study Guide : regulating European colonization and trade in Africa (1884)

The committee begins on November 15th, 1884. Referring to any events that have taken place after this date will be considered as getting off policy and will not be taken into consideration during debate.

Important Notes

● Rules of Procedures in this committee are slightly different than the rules in other committees. Read the Rules of Procedures for the Special Committee. You can find the document on the website. ● Some of the characters are hard to research due to lack of information. If you cannot find any information about your character, represent your country’s policy with no regard to your character.

Definitions

Colonization: “The action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area.” -Oxford Dictionary.

The Berlin Conference (also known as the Congo Conference, or West Africa Conference) was a series of negotiations between the major colonial empires (mainly European) in order to settle disputes over colonies in Africa.

Background

With the great powers of Europe racing to colonize the African continent, these empires started viewing each other’s attempts at colonial expansion in Africa with suspicion and jealousy, which made it necessary to have an agreement established over what is accepted and what is not in order to avoid unnecessary wars. Thus, at the request of , Otto von Bismarck, the German Chancellor, called for major western colonial empires to negotiate the question of Africa.

As of November 1884, Africa was mostly (almost 80% of its lands) under local and traditional rule.

Factors

Congo and Niger River basins: Conflicts over claims by European powers in the region raised the question of whether these areas should be neutral. In addition, there was the issue of trade. Many countries wanted to use the river for trade (e.g. Portugal). This raised the question of trade and whether open trade should be established in this region.

The German unification: The rise of Germany as a European superpower intimidated the old powers such as France and Britain. With its thriving economy and great colonial ambitions, Germany soon became a major player in European politics.

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The Industrial Revolution: Starting in the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed manufacturing in European countries from manual labor to machines in factories, which sparked the need for labor and cheap natural resources for the factories. These cheap natural resources can be found in Africa.

Undefined boundaries: European powers had already colonized parts of the continent without defining specific boundaries, prompting conflicts between these powers.

Slave trade in Africa: European powers had enslaved many indigenous people when they first started colonizing parts of Africa. While the European population was becoming more concerned with the continuation of this issue, there had been no firm treaties signed by the European powers on the institution of in Africa.

Critical Events and Timeline

French War with Senegal (1854-1860):​ France extends its control down the Senegal river. Hispano Moroccan War (Oct. 1859 - Apr. 1860): The Moroccan government hands over control of and Melilla to Spain after a quick war.

British 8th (1850-1853) and 9th (1877-1879) : Britain annexes further territory from the Xhosa tribe’s land outside of the Cape colony.

2nd (1863-1864) and 3rd (1873-1874) Anglo Ashanti Wars : The Ashantis fail to invade British colonies.

Anglo-Zulu War (Jan. - Jul. 1879): The British officially annex the Kingdom of Zulu, effectively ending its independence.

Franco-Tunisian War (Apr.-Oct. 1881): France declares Tunisia a protectorate of the French Third Republic.

First Boer War (Dec. 1880 - Mar. 1881): After their victory, the Boers force the British to sign a treaty which recognizes the independence of the Boer Republics.

Mahdist War (1881-present): A revolt led by Ahmad against the of British occupied . As of now (Nov. 1884), city is besieged by the Mahdists.

Agenda

● Territorial aspect: Settling disputes between the European colonial powers over Africa. Setting clear borders and dividing the continent between the European powers. ● Social aspect:​ Review the question of slave trade and slavery in Africa.

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● Economic aspect: Determining the type of trade which shall be established in different parts of the continent, and reaching an agreement over certain criteria a colony should meet in order for the country to benefit economically of that colony.

Questions to Consider

● Does your country have any interests in Africa? If so, how does it protect and advance them? ● Is your country involved in any dispute over colonies in the African continent with another European nation? If so, what is your country’s claim and how is it justified? ● What type of trade would benefit my country’s economy the most? How would its implementation in Africa benefit my country? ● Is slavery still legal in your country or some of its colonies? If yes, did your country take any steps to abolish slavery within its territories? ● Is your country currently fighting any wars against local African groups or other participating European nations?

Relevant Media

The and the Berlin Conference

What was the Scramble for Africa?

European colonization of Africa : Every Year

Helpful Resources

Pink Map: Portuguese Scramble for Africa 1881-1914

General Act of the Berlin Conference on West Africa

The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 to Divide Africa

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Bibliography

(-). “Oxford Dictionary: Colonization.”​https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/colonization​,(-), 9 Dec. 2018. Britannica Editors. “European History: Berlin West Africa Conference.”​https://www.britannica.com/event/Berlin-West-Africa-Conference​, 2018, 9 Dec. 2018.

McDougall, Walter A. “20th-century international relations.”​https://www.britannica.com/topic/20th-century-international-relations-2085155#ref 262606​, 2017, 9 Dec. 2018. Rosenberg, Matt. “Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 to Divide Africa.”​https://www.thoughtco.com/berlin-conference-1884-1885-divide-africa-1433556​, 2018, 9 Dec. 2018.

Balaji, Shravan. “Scramble for Africa: Berlin Conference 1884.”​http://www.internationalgeographybee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Berlin-guide. pdf​, 2018, 9 Dec. 2018. Hickman, Kennedy. “Mahdist War: Siege of Khartoum.”​https://www.thoughtco.com/mahdist-war-siege-of-khartoum-2361378​, 2017, 9 Dec. 2018.

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