<aside> <img src="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" alt="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" width="40px" /> In this lesson, you will…
Big Question: How much territory did Europeans directly or indirectly control during the height of imperialism?
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Before we get into the specifics of European control over its colonies, let’s review two facts about imperialism:
| Goverance | Direct | Indirect | Sphere of Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Colonies were directly ruled by a foreign power, usually by officials sent by the mother country. | Protectorates were regions controlled by a foreign power through local rulers and limited self-rule. | |
| Empires exercised exclusive trade rights and diplomatic control over a region. | |||
| Example | Britain colonized India - establishing political and economic control through the British Raj (rule). | ||
| United States in Cuba where the US provided military protection and political guidance while giving some local autonomy. | |||
| Spheres of Influence were established in China where European countries had control over trade and economics. | |||
In 1884, a wave of anxiety swept across Europe, stemming from the fear that conflict, or even war over territorial claims in Africa, was imminent. This was a time of heightened tensions and ambitions, as each country sought to expand its influence and power.
In response to this dire situation, a significant meeting known as the Berlin Conference was convened. This was assembly of representatives from fourteen European nations and the United States and was a significant event, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between Europe and Africa.
The attendees of this conference were major players on the global stage. They were some of the most powerful nations at the time, including Britain, France, Germany, the United States, and Belgium. Each of these nations held considerable influence and had vested interests in the outcome of the conference.
During this conference, the European powers made the decision to take control of their new colonies, a decision that was made without any regard to African political or ethnic boundaries. This decision demonstrated a blatant disregard for the existing structures and cultures within Africa, marking a period of significant change and turmoil for the continent.
At the helm of this conference was none other than Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany. Bismarck was a formidable figure in European politics, and his leadership of the Berlin Conference only served to further cement Germany’s influence and power.
Colony of Belgium. Under direct rule from 1908-1960.
In the late 19th century, King Leopold II of Belgium saw a great opportunity for wealth and power in Africa. To exploit this opportunity, he hired the renowned explorer Henry Stanley to undertake a mission of exploration and stake a claim in the Congo.
In 1884, a significant event known as the Berlin Conference took place. This assembly of world powers formally recognized and authorized King Leopold’s claim to the Congo Free State. This meant that, in the eyes of the international community, the Congo was now Leopold’s exclusive private property.
What drove Belgium, and more specifically King Leopold II, to colonize the Congo was not just the pursuit of territorial expansion, but also the allure of the region's vast natural resources. The main objective behind Belgium’s colonization of the Congo was to exploit its abundant reserves of rubber trees.
Under Belgian control, the Congo was brutally exploited for its rubber resources. The extraction process was ruthless and inhumane, with the local population subjected to unimaginable hardships.