The Scramble for Africa

What was the 'Scramble for Africa'?

The 'Scramble for Africa' was a term used to describe the great rush in the late 19th century, by the European powers, to claim huge parts of the African continent.

What was the 'Scramble for Africa' also called?

The 'Scramble for Africa' was also called the 'Conquest of Africa' or the 'Partition of Africa'.

When was the 'Scramble for Africa'?

The 'Scramble for Africa' took place from 1884 to 1914.

Who was involved in the 'Scramble for Africa'?

There were seven countries involved in the 'Scramble for Africa': Britain, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Germany.

Why did the 'Scramble for Africa' happen?

There were three main reasons for the 'Scramble for Africa'.

• ❖ The European countries wished to acquire more territory on the African continent.
• ❖ The Europeans wanted to extend western civilization, culture, and education to Africa.
• ❖ Africa had an abundance of raw materials from which Europe could make money. Europeans acquired products such as oil, ivory, rubber, palm oil, wood, cotton, and gum.

What was the significance of the 'Scramble for Africa'?

These are some of the reasons why the 'Scramble for Africa' was significant.

• ❖ Britain gained control over 16 huge areas of land including Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
• ❖ By 1900, Europeans controlled 90% of Africa. Britain herself controlled 32% of Africa.
• ❖ Britain was able to exploit the resources of Africa, which helped to maintain the Empire as an economic superpower.
• ❖ The 'Scramble for Africa' started nearly a century of European domination of the continent. This resulted in a significant economic, political and social impact that is still felt today.