Title: The Impact of European Imperialism in Africa
Headings: The Impact of European Imperialism in Africa
The Impact of European Imperialism in Africa
Content: The Impact of European Imperialism in Africa
The Impact of European Imperialism in Africa
By Staff Writer Last Updated Apr 9, 2020 6:36:03 PM ET
From the late 19th century through the early 20th century, European imperialism grew substantially, leading to changes in Africa. These changes included colonialism, exploitation of resources and an increase in trade. European Imperialism
Imperialism happens when one country uses its resources to extend political or economic control over another country or region of the world. After decades of trade with many African countries, several European countries adopted imperial policies and began to encroach on the nations through manipulation and military force. The needs driving these changes were political, economic and social. The major powers of the time, including England, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Belgium, were in competition to be the most powerful nation in Europe. With Africa, each nation saw a way to gain power, spread its religious ideologies and receive new riches without having to overtax its own citizens. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885
At the height of imperialism in Africa, European nations held the Berlin Conference of 1884 to 1885 to negotiate and map out each country's claims in the Western portion of the continent. Also known as the Berlin West Africa Conference, the heads of states formalized their control, passed trade agreements between colonies and drafted the terms for any future colonization efforts by European powers. African national leaders and native populations were excluded from these negotiations that decided their future.