Why was Britain involved in obtaining influence and possessions in Africa from 1868-1902?

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WHY WAS BRITAIN INVOLVED IN OBTAINING INFLUENCE AND POSSESSIONS IN AFRICA FROM 1868-1902?

From Gladstone’s and Disraeli’s governments of the 1860’s and 70’s through to Salisbury’s governments of the 1890’s to 1902, Britain began to become involved in the great continent of Africa. There were multiple reasons for Britain’s involvement in the ‘dark continent’. One of these was because of competition with rival powers to grab chunks of territory. Another reason was a need to exploit Africa’s raw materials. Christianity and its spread was another powerful reason why the Victorians became involved in Africa. Lastly, Africa was critical to protect Britain’s strategic routes to India and to protect Britain’s prosperity.

      European states such as Portugal and Belgium already had a foothold in Africa. But by 1880 other European powers were greedy for African lands. In 1869 French money was used to construct the Suez Canal. This became the quick route to India and represented a vital trade route which was of extreme importance strategically. It attracted considerable British investment in Egypt and the Canal itself resulting in a purchase of shares in 1875. Britain’s control of the Suez Canal protected the economic advantages that India had to offer. In 1882, British government sent a fleet of ships to the coast of Alexandria in Egypt. The invasion is thought to be in response to nationalist riots lead by and Egyptian army officer, Colonel Arabi as well as to protect British control over the Suez Canal. Britain also had significant financial investments in Egypt that needed to be protected as trade with Egypt was vital for the British economy. An example of trade goods was Egypt’s high quality cotton; this was much sought after by the British textile manufacturers. Egypt was also a potentially huge market for the importation of British technology, particularly railway transport technology. Britain’s greatest fear was that influence from France in Egypt would increase therefore, threatening Britain’s economic interests and trade route to India. This act of expansionism in Africa was partly the outcome of simple economic priorities. The theory that Britain was involved in Africa because of financial imperatives has been argued by Cain and Hopkins extensively over the last 20 years. For instance, these two historians argue that Egypt’s one hundred million pound debt to GB and France was critical to Britain’s invasion of Egypt in 1882, to ensure the debt was paid. There are multiple examples where Britain obtained influence and possessions in Africa.

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     Britain’s colonial presence in Africa became more and more established from 1880. With the occupation of Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast already, Britain’s interest moved towards Nigeria and their palm oil trade. Palm oil was used as an industrial lubricant and as the base for making soap and candles. This economic enterprise was based on trade networks characteristic of ‘informal empire’. It was dominated by the Royal Niger Company, a mercantile company chartered by the British government founded by George Goldie. In 1886, a charter was granted the company the right to trade in all the ...

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