European Imperialism

Words: 955
Pages: 4
Open Document
What Was the Driving Force Behind European Imperialism in Africa?

Throughout the 1500s to the 1800s, many European countries had a heavy imperialistic influence across Africa. However, it took until the late 1800s before countries began claiming large portions of the continent. For example, during the late 1800s King Leopold of Belgium acquired over 900,000 square miles in Africa, calling it the the Congo Free state, making millions using forced labor with the natural resources present. Not long after, countries such as England, France, and Germany showed an interest on obtaining African land. This change in imperialism was sudden, but was due to many factors. The driving force behind European imperialism in Africa was the need for societal …show more content…
The Industrial Revolution began earlier in the century, and led to numerous inventions. For example, the steam engine increased the power of their ships and allowed for faster travel to and from Africa (Document C). The electric telegraph was invented as well, providing better communication from Africa to Europe. Finally, the Bessemer process was invented in 1855, resulting in faster and cheaper steel manufacturing, increasing the strength of their ships, tools, and weapons (Document C). Because of the rapid technological advancement during this era, the European countries were able to utilize this and imperialize most of …show more content…
One example of this is in Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden”, stating “Go bind your sons to exile-To serve your captives need...Your new caught, sullen peoples- Half-devil and half-child...Take up the White Man’s burden” (Document F). As Kipling was directing these words towards England, he was suggesting that the British should take care of the Africans because their ways and culture was in need. We can also see that Kipling is referring to the Africans in a derogatory way, calling them ‘half devil’ and ‘sullen peoples’. From this, we can tell that Britain and many other European countries see themselves as a higher power. England thought that their culture was the greatest and thought it had to be given to the africans to improve the African culture. To further support this, the Europeans brought over different forms of technology that were meant to improve and advance African society. Medicines such as quinine were vital, as they could be used to cure disease that had previously plagued Africans, therefore lowering death rate drastically (Document C). Through imperialism, the Europeans believed that they were advancing African life and culture.

Imperialism - the control of one country’s politics, economy, or culture by another - is what caused Europe to invade and conquer much of Africa in the 19th century. The driving force on imperialism in africa was though obtaining
Show More

Related Documents: European Imperialism

European Imperialism In Africa

behind European imperialism in Africa was Dominance, resources, and culture. These were the causes of European imperialism in Africa, this was a major event that took place in history. European imperialism meant that they had total control over the country, and the people living in it. The question is asking what caused Europe to take control of Africa, and make territory their own. The force behind European imperialism was Nationalism, resources, and culture. One of the causes of European imperialism…

Words 341 - Pages 2

European Imperialism Dbq

during European imperialism had as many 10 million African people killed for working them to the point of no return. During the 1800’s, Europeans were very focused on one thing: expanding and conquering, and the continent of Africa was soon to be next.Not only did King leopold affected the European imperialism, many factors contributed to the cause. The driving forces behind European imperialism in Africa were Nationalism, resources and economics. Nationalism was a key factor in European Imperialism…

Words 398 - Pages 2

European Imperialism Dbq

The main reason behind European imperialism was that there were economic advantages in Africa that Europe couldn't even fathom. Africa had many goods, such as the mass production of rubber and oil. European imperialism was not justified, but the Europeans did what they had to do to make their country stronger even with primitive actions. So, what were the other main reasons behind European imperialism? To even start to begin imperialism, Europe needed to colonize Africa. In document B, John Ruskin…

Words 268 - Pages 2

European Imperialism Causes

The causes and effects of imperialism The Europeans have misunderstood their effect influenced Africa and their decisions. In their minds they feel as if they are helping the Africans. From the text that Europe “equipped the Congo with railroads, roads, air, and helped with sickness” (Baudouni 1). But really right after it said that Europe really “devastating agriculture” (Baudouni 1). Imperialism has also increased slavery in Africa and it has brought many deaths to Africans. Like when King Leopold…

Words 471 - Pages 2

European Imperialism Dbq

European Imperialism/colonization of Africa that occurred mainly between the 1870s and the early 1900s, caused many issues within Africa, and at the same time, the Europeans were benefitting from it. Because Europeans believed they were superior to the Africans, they felt it was their duty to civilize the Africans, and this created problems throughout the continent, most of which dealt with the economy and social structure of Africa. The European Imperialism/colonization of Africa had several social…

Words 1526 - Pages 7

European Imperialism Effects

surprise that imperialism has had lasting effects on the world. The real question is; in what ways? How has European Imperialism impacted the immigrant crisis in modern-day Europe? The exposure of two civilizations so different from each other, led to deep-seated racism which has lasted for over a century. Imperialism has had deep effects on racism, modernization, and economic growth by promoting relations with European countries, as well as western learning. European Imperialism, lasting from…

Words 347 - Pages 2

European Imperialism Dbq

Imperialism is the extending of a country’s power and influence through military force. European countries began to imperialize Africa after the Industrial Revolution, but why? The three main reasons behind European imperialism in Africa are competition with European neighbors, cultural superiority, and economy. European countries believed that if they controlled more land or colonies, that they would be the most powerful in their continent. Well, they weren’t wrong. According to Document B, the…

Words 586 - Pages 3

European Imperialism Dbq

Why were Europeans determined to Imperialize Africa? They could set up markets and grow their economy. They also would get the chance to advance their technology. Most importantly, they could gain power and national pride. There were several driving forces behind European Imperialism in Africa. One of these driving forces was economics. Portuguese, Belgian, French, British, and German industries benefited from African resources (Doc D). I believe that Great Britain had the most valuable colonies…

Words 297 - Pages 2

Benefits Of European Imperialism

Imperialism is a policy of extending a country's power and influences by diplomacy or military force. Imperialism was beneficial to Europe and many other countries and colonies. Europe Got resources they needed from countries in Africa .The spread of technology helped businesses make goods faster and more efficiently. Exposure to other cultures helped with the spread of religion and languages. Europeans got the resources they needed to power their Industrial Revolution. They got some a lot of the…

Words 510 - Pages 3

European Imperialism In Africa

then territories of Europe. Europe was the leader in imperialism at the beginning, however, other “civilized” nations began to imperialize as well. Imperialism is when one country extends its rule over another: sometimes by force. The main goals of…

Words 870 - Pages 4