European Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa

Introduction

• The lecture covers the dramatic expansion of European control over the world from 1800 to 1914, increasing from 35% to 84% of the Earth's land.
• Focuses on the colonization of Africa, the last major continent not fully dominated by Europeans.

Early European Colonialism

• Spain and Portugal were initial colonial powers from around 1500.
• The Dutch developed the modern corporation, enhancing colonial expansion.
• Early colonialism ran on trade, shipping, and shareholder profits.

Imperialism 2.0

• A new wave of imperialism occurred in the 19th century driven by technology and European cooperation.
• Described by a British prime minister as "the vulgar and bastard imperialism of irritation and aggression."

Revolutionary Threats

• By the late 1700s, European empires were losing colonies due to revolutions:
  • American Independence
  • Spanish colonies declaring independence
  • Haitian Revolution
• Empires were destabilized, leading to more cooperation between European powers.

The Scramble for Africa

• Africa, largely unexplored by Europeans, became the focus of colonization.
• 1875: King Leopold II of Belgium sought colonies in Africa but was initially rebuffed by major colonial powers.
• Leopold targeted central Africa, known as the "white man's grave" due to diseases like malaria.

Technological and Medical Advancements

• Quinine, derived from tree bark, enabled Europeans to combat malaria, opening Africa to colonization.
• Technological advancements such as steamboats, railroads, and the telegraph facilitated European control.

The Berlin Conference

• 1884: European powers met in Berlin to divide Africa without African representation.
• Powers had to have actual control over land to claim it.

Colonization Outcomes

• European powers quickly divided and colonized Africa:
  • French expanded in West Africa
  • British expanded in Sudan and South Africa
  • Germans and Italians also claimed territories
• King Leopold's Congo Free State became infamous for exploitation.

Impacts and Legacy

• European advancements in medicine and technology were interwoven with imperialism.
• European domination led to global economic systems and the spread of European languages and cultures.
• The imperialist mindset and pseudo-scientific racism justified colonization.

The Decline of European Empires

• Post-World War conflicts and independence movements led to the decline of European empires.
• Former colonies gained independence, but global systems established by Europeans persisted.

Modern Reflection

• The lecture concludes on the complexities of European conquest, acknowledging both advancements and atrocities.
• Emphasizes that European dominance was not inevitable but resulted from historical circumstances and decisions.
• The remnants of colonization continue to influence global politics and economics today.