Europeans Driving Force Leading to Imperialism of Africa

Justin Madubuike

World Geography Pre-AP

Dodd-5

March 26, 2013

Europeans Driving Force Leading to Imperialism of Africa

In the mid-19th century, Europe had intentions on imperializing Africa.  When the time had finally come, the Europeans driving force behind the Africa imperialism was the greed for wealth Africa had to offer.

On Document overview, it had stated: “European nations traded for slave, gold and ivory along the west coast, not deeply going into the continent”, but this would change over time when it also stated: “Europeans explorers pushed their way into the interiors of western and central Africa”. Slaves and gold were an intense desire for European explorers as they had to step to the next level by pushing themselves into interiors.

Many countries felt as they need to advance their power. Document B had stated: “She must found colonies as fast and as far as she is able, formed of her most energetic and worthiest men” This quote uses the word “she” meaning the country itself, giving to a gender to prove its point. On the same line it also states: “Seize every piece of fruitful waste ground she can set her foot on” which is the meaning as if take as much as you can grab or carry.

Multiple African colonies had been taken over by European colonizers. Document D shows European colonizers like Great Britain that show its colonized land such as Rhodesia what it has to offer including copper, zinc, lead, and coal. These greedy intentions for African resources would bring wealth and economic use to the Europeans such as ammunition fuels, metal alloys, and electrical wiring.

In conclusion, Europeans leading to the imperialism of Africa was based on the driving force of the greed for wealth. When the time had come, Europeans intentions had finally been met.