By the early 20th century, France controlled the majority of western Africa, while Britain held the key areas of Egypt (which gave it access to the Suez Canal) and South Africa. The remaining land was held by various European powers who had seized land that seemed rich in resources, though some countries were already interested in seeing just how much land they could acquire for their empires.
Once Europeans began moving into Africa's interior, the cultural boundaries that had been established by African nations and tribes were completely ignored. Political control became dependent entirely on European imperialism: If France controlled your land, your leaders and government administrators would speak French, and they would expect you to learn the language and to move away from your culture--if you wanted to participate as a citizen.
Some imperial powers established direct rule over the areas they colonized, sending government officials to run the empire's business on location in Africa. Other countries selected local political figures to maintain control over people and resources and directed them from Europe. Either way, the result was the same: Europeans made the rules, and native Africans had to follow them.
How did Africa's borders change as a result of European imperialism? Review the progression using the questions below.
What was the basis for political boundaries before Europeans began to colonize Africa's interior?
- cultural identity
- political allegiance
- ethnic background
- natural boundaries
Pre-colonial societies in Africa were inclusive: People of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds could be members of the same nation, as long as they had the same political allegiance.
Pre-colonial societies in Africa were inclusive: People of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds could be members of the same nation, as long as they had the same political allegiance.
Pre-colonial societies in Africa were inclusive: People of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds could be members of the same nation, as long as they had the same political allegiance.
Pre-colonial societies in Africa were inclusive: People of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds could be members of the same nation, as long as they had the same political allegiance.
Why did Europeans wait until the 19th century to carve up Africa?
- Disease and other hazards made the continent too dangerous to explore.
- Before then, they didn't have the military power to conquer native Africans.
- They were too busy fighting wars amongst themselves.
- The resources of Africa weren't valuable until the 19th century.
Before the 19th century, diseases like malaria and yellow fever would kill most of the Europeans who tried to explore and conquer the interior of Africa.
Before the 19th century, diseases like malaria and yellow fever would kill most of the Europeans who tried to explore and conquer the interior of Africa.
Before the 19th century, diseases like malaria and yellow fever would kill most of the Europeans who tried to explore and conquer the interior of Africa.
Before the 19th century, diseases like malaria and yellow fever would kill most of the Europeans who tried to explore and conquer the interior of Africa.
Summary
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