Imperialism

Main Idea: Europeans use colonies, protectorates, spheres of influence, economic imperialism, and different patterns of management to control African colonies. African resistance movements emerge in response.

II. Nigeria: A Case Study

A. Methods of Control

1. Colony: governed internally by a foreign power

2. Protectorate: own internal govt but under control of outside power

3. Sphere of Influence: outside power claims exclusive investment or trading privileges

4. Economic Imperialism: independent but less developed nations controlled by private business interests rather than by other govts

B. Management

1. Indirect: local officials; limited self-rule; develop future leaders; institutions based on European styles with local rules

2. Direct: European officials; no self-rule; assimilation; institutions based on European styles only

C. Nigeria

1. Africans resisted colonial rule despite adequate organization and weapons

2. Ethiopia successfully resists European dominance

D. Impact

1. Positive: reduced local warfare; humanitarianism—sanitation, hospitals, schools; new markets; industrialization

2. Negative: lost control of land; new diseases; famines—changing from cash crop to subsistence agriculture; breakdown of cultures; political boundaries