Scramble for Africa

• In 1870, 10% of Africa was controlled by European countries.
• By 1900, 90% of Africa was owned by European nations.
• Between 1870 and 1900, 16 colonies of Africa were added to the British Empire.
• Africa was rich in natural resources such as gold, diamonds and ivory. They also had a lot of cash crops such as rubber, coffee and timber.
• Controlling Africa would mean Europeans could sell their goods to the people living there.
• By 1870, treatments for diseases such as malaria had been found. This made it possible for Europeans to explore and conquer Africa.
• This was during an era of imperialism where European countries competed to build large empires. The Scramble for Africa took place between 1870 and 1900.
• Christian Missionaries felt obligated to convert the African people to Christianity. They travelled through the continent and preached, as well as setting up schools and hospitals. Europeans referred to Africa as the 'dark' continent, and Christians felt they had to 'enlighten' it.