African Colonization & Independence
Movements.
1. What Colonization in Africa Was
Colonization in Africa happened mostly in the late 1800s when European powers took control of
African lands, resources, and governments. Countries like Britain, France, Belgium, Germany,
Portugal, and Italy divided Africa among themselves with very little concern for the people
already living there.
This period is often called the “Scramble for Africa.”
2. Why Europe Colonized Africa
Several reasons pushed European countries to take over African territories:
● Economic interests:
Europe wanted raw materials like rubber, gold, cotton, and minerals to feed their
factories.
● New markets:
European businesses wanted places to sell their goods.
● Political competition:
Each European country wanted to show its power by owning the most colonies.
● Missionary activities:
Some Europeans claimed they wanted to spread Christianity and “civilize” Africans, but
this often served political goals.
● Berlin Conference (1884–85):
European leaders met and basically shared African land amongst themselves without
African participation.
3. Effects of Colonization on Africa
Movements.
1. What Colonization in Africa Was
Colonization in Africa happened mostly in the late 1800s when European powers took control of
African lands, resources, and governments. Countries like Britain, France, Belgium, Germany,
Portugal, and Italy divided Africa among themselves with very little concern for the people
already living there.
This period is often called the “Scramble for Africa.”
2. Why Europe Colonized Africa
Several reasons pushed European countries to take over African territories:
● Economic interests:
Europe wanted raw materials like rubber, gold, cotton, and minerals to feed their
factories.
● New markets:
European businesses wanted places to sell their goods.
● Political competition:
Each European country wanted to show its power by owning the most colonies.
● Missionary activities:
Some Europeans claimed they wanted to spread Christianity and “civilize” Africans, but
this often served political goals.
● Berlin Conference (1884–85):
European leaders met and basically shared African land amongst themselves without
African participation.
3. Effects of Colonization on Africa
