Why was Africa colonised in the years 1870-1914?

Why was Africa colonised in the years 1870-1914? The period of 1870-1914 saw the partitioning of Africa at its greatest - from only 10% of the continent under European control in 1875, to an amazing 90% under European control in 1895. The colonisers included the vast majority of the major imperial powers of Europe - Britain, France, Russia and Germany. There are various motives for colonisation during this period and include not only the economic and political state of Europe, but also less documented reasons such as religious beliefs and feelings of social supremacy. We shall examine each motive separately and then examine whether there was any interdependency within them. The Berlin West Africa Conference (1884-1885) saw the partitioning of Africa amongst the European nations after the speedy 'Scramble for Africa' during the period 1870-1914. The Portuguese colonised both Mozambique and Angola, in southern Africa, whilst South-western Africa, along with Tanganyika in East Africa were under German rule. The Congo was under King Leopold II's rule (eventually Belgian) and Senegal, Cameroon, and several other colonies in the western Sudan and Central Africa were gained by France. However it was Great Britain that colonised vast areas of Africa - Kenya, Uganda in East Africa, the Gold Coast (now known as Ghana) and present day Nigeria in West Africa were all under its rule.

  • Word count: 2666
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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In 1989, when it first became clear to observers in the West that the Soviet Block was in its final death throws, commentators in the Western press began to predict a flood of economic and political immigrants from the USSR into western Europe.

B207 - POPULATION GEOGRAPHY CHERYL GODDARD WHY HASN'T EAST-WEST MIGRATION LIVED UP TO EXPECTATIONS OVERVIEW In 1989, when it first became clear to observers in the West that the Soviet Block was in its final death throws, commentators in the Western press began to predict a flood of economic and political immigrants from the USSR into western Europe. In 1990, the head of the Soviet passport department, Rudolf Kuznetsov, suggested that 'up to 8 million' people could leave the Soviet Union once the necessary travel legislation had been passed (Daily Telegraph, 27/9/1990). On 20th May 1991, the Supreme Soviet passed this long awaited and much discussed legislation. The new legislation, which was not to come into full effect until 1993, states the following:- * Every Soviet citizen is now entitled to a 5 year passport and no longer requires an exit visa. * All rules and regulations concerning the issuance of passports will be published. * Some temporary restrictions will apply, mainly to the milatary and those with access to state secrets. * Right of appeal if a passport application is declined. (Smirnov, 1991) Under Gorbachev's reforms the economy was spiralling out of control, the political situation was rapidly becoming more and more unstable and ethnic tensions were increasing. Surely, said the press in light of these developments, people will leave this

  • Word count: 2819
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Was the First World War Planned or the result of accident and miscalculation?

WAS THE FIRST WORLD WAR PLANNED OR THE RESULT OF ACCIDENT AND MISCALCULATION? In the immediate view, it seems that there are two main arguments attributed to the origins of the First World War. One is that the war was planned, the other that it occurred due to accident and miscalculation. I aim to give a detailed analysis of these two arguments with the focus being on the main European powers at the time - Germany, Great Britain, France and Russia. It is my view that the First World War was effectively planned, all be it for a later date, and that due to some miscalculations, it was then brought forward so that war would break out in Europe in August 1914. Using sources from various historians, I will argue this point of a planned war blaming it almost solely on the part of the German Empire and bringing in the other side of the argument, that the First World War was the result of accident and miscalculation. The most important idea in the argument that Germany planned the First World War is to be found in the Foreign Policies that she pursued from the late Nineteenth Century to the outbreak of war in 1914. It was the view that no matter how achieved, a German dominated Europe would provide a successful base for the ideal of Weltpolitik. This idea of Weltpolitik was the aim at the head of the hierarchy of German Foreign Policy; it gave the notion of a world mission,

  • Word count: 3212
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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To what extent did Wilson's achievements as PM outweigh his failures between 1963 and 1976?

To what extent did Wilson's achievements as PM outweigh his failures between 1963 and 1976? Introduction To determine the extent of Wilson's achievements compared to his failures I must weigh up his achievements and failures as PM on a personal and professional level. I will define each of his failures and achievements in terms of Wilson's responsibilities as PM, such as, manifesto commitments, modernising the country and in comparison to other administrations or in relation to specific issues. I will also take into account influential factors of the period and weigh up their affect, if any on Wilson's performance as PM. Harold Wilson governed the country from 1964 until 1970 and then again from 1974 until his resignation in 1976. Many liberal policies were introduced during his time in power, including the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, which decriminalised homosexual practices and the 1967 Abortion Act which legalised abortion. However, his government is also remembered for the deteriorating relations with Trade Unions and the huge economic problems, such as rising inflation and low relative growth. Wilson's biggest political achievement was to win four elections after Labour had been in the wilderness for thirteen years "he had achieved something no previous PM had done this century...led four administrations"1 Additionally, an early political achievement was to increase his

  • Word count: 3513
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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The decade of the 1890s marked a distinct reorientation in the United States Government's outlook on the world. Discuss the major impulses and events that marked this turn toward 'American empire', and analyse the public debates that it engendered. Who we

The Making of the American Empire In the decade of the 1890s, the United States of America's foreign policy and outlook on the world were at a crossroads. The debate flourished on the topic of imperialism versus isolationism and included prominent participants including all of the political spectre as well as world-famous authors. This essay will revolve around the debate and some of the key debaters; it will shed light on the most important arguments and describe how they are anchored in the different debaters' understanding of American history. The debate and discussion which preceded the US' involvement in the Philippine Revolution (1896-1898) and consequently the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) will used as the primary source of examples such as speeches, articles and essays. Additionally, the essay will describe how the choices of the 1890s have manifested themselves in the US' long-term foreign policies. Although most historians agree that America's initial reasons for going to war against the Spanish in Cuba and the Philippines were due to humanitarian concerns, it is also generally accepted that the enhanced naval capabilities and probable commercial benefits were meritorious factors, as well. In continuation of President William McKinley's 1898 Teller Amendment that foreswore any intend to annex Cuba or other countries that the United States might help separate

  • Word count: 3376
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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To what extent can Kaiser Wilhelm's reign 1880-1914 be characterised as 'personal rule'?

To what extent can Kaiser Wilhelm's reign 1880-1914 be characterised as 'personal rule'? The reign of Wilhelm II has been subject to much debate by historians concerning Wilhelm's aims of 'personal rule'. Rohl for example states that from 1897 Germany was run as a "functioning monarchy" with power concentrated in the hands of one man, the Kaiser. An opposing view is that Wilhelm "possessed neither the character nor the aptitude to be his own chancellor and his leadership amounted to little more than whimsical flights of fancy and blundering interventions". Can the reign of Wilhelm II be labelled one of 'personal rule' or was the Kaiser's "limited knowledge of German politics" too much of a weakness for this to be achieved. Wilhelm II was fixated with the idea of ultimate control; he "believed in personal rule without regard to parliament or public opinion" (Eyck). This idea was fuelled by the Kaiser's belief in the 'Divine Right of Kings', the view that royal authority derives directly from God and therefore as emperor he should only have to answer to God. Wilhelm's desire to establish this policy of 'personal rule' was made possible by his monopolistic control over appointments to the Imperial government, Chancellors for example. The initial years of Wilhelm's rule did not display factors supporting the Kaiser's policy of 'personal rule'. The chancellor, General Leo von

  • Word count: 933
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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The Mansion Road Murders.

The Mansion Road Murders Kaiser, Tim and Waseem decided to meet up the following day at the Oakley Stone Graveyard, which were several minutes away from Mansion Road. The plan was to meet up at 8.00pm when night slowly fell. They chose night-time because it would give them less chance of getting caught. Waseem A tall built boy had arrived early as usual wearing jeans, T-shirt and a long godfather jacket, then came Kaiser a short but an intelligent boy he came several minutes after Waseem wearing a hooded jumper and jogging bottoms pulled up halfway up to his knees. Kaiser and Waseem both waited anxiously thinking if Tim will come or not, after a while out of no-where Tim appeared in front of both them. Kaiser and Waseem jumped at Tim like a hungry Tiger seeking its prey. They both moaned at him repeatedly for being so late all the time. After arguing for several minutes all three of them decided to make a move. As they walked up Mansion Road all three of them started discussing anxiously what the outcome of their visit would be. After a matter of minutes they had arrived at the haunted Mansion. From the outside the mansion it looked as if a mansion had been placed there from out of the blue its windows were half broken as if somebody had thrown stones at the decrepit mansion. The mansion stood out the most from the other entire mansions in the area. The creepy sounds

  • Word count: 863
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Explain the different aims of the three leaders, Clemenceau, Lloyd-George and Wilson at the Paris Peace Conference after WW1.

MODERN HISTORY ASSESSMENT TASK #1 (i) Explain the different aims of the three leaders, Clemenceau, Lloyd-George and Wilson at the Paris Peace Conference after WW1. The 18th of January 1919, is a stand-still moment in History as 75% of the world's leaders came together and prepared to discuss a single topic, the situation of the post-war world. With the exclusion of the defeated states, there was a total of 32 Leaders that attended the Paris Peace Conference. Whilst there was a large majority of attendees, there were three that wielded more power over the other nations. These major participants consisted of Clemenceau from France, Woodrow from USA and Lloyd-George from Britain, because of the power they possessed the name "The Big Three" 1 was given to them. Georges Clemenceau was appointed to be the French Prime Minister in 1916, immediately he clearly conveyed his ideas for Germany to be smashed so that she could never again embark on a war.2 The devastating blow that the French took during the war and especially at Verdun was still apparent in the French publics mind. Clemenceau would not take the chance of Germany once starting another war, so he proceeded to argue his aims as being of high importance. Clemenceau believed the complete stripping of Germany was the only sure way to know they would be harmless and not be seen as a strong power in the future. This meant the

  • Word count: 2651
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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How far did Germany model itself on Britain 1890-1900?

How far did Germany model itself on Britain 1890-1900? Germany's policies and ambitions were mirrored by British achievements in the late 19th Century to a certain extent. Germany was envious of Britain in many ways. An obvious factor was over the British navy, being the biggest and the finest at the time. Also Britain's valuable possessions overseas, not only gaining global influence of its nation and culture but also using the vast amounts of natural resources provided by the colonies to power its economy. Germany could see Britain's growth in strength and therefore attempted to imitate aspects of its foreign policy and even its culture. Germany was ready for expansion and once again stamp down its authority within the continent as it had done during the period of unification, proving to be the most powerful and influential nation on the continent. However, this determinism to become 'another Britain' would only draw the two countries into conflict. It was clear that there was a need for expansion and a desire to explore new horizons after the success of the 1860s and 70s, and peace was simply uninspiring. However, the Kaiser and Chancellor were not ready to risk another war with a major power in Europe but instead would look to attack abroad, seeking vulnerable areas to claim as colonies of Germany, providing their country with prestige at little cost. The need for

  • Word count: 1430
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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Why was there a 'scramble for Africa' in the late 19th century?

Eleanor Fell Tony Howe Why was there a 'scramble for Africa' in the late 19th century? The 'scramble for Africa' has been called 'one of the most remarkable events in the history of the world'1. It explains a period between 1876 and 1914, where the continent of Africa was completely annexed by the leading European powers: Britain, France, Germany, Portugal and Italy, leaving just two countries with independence: Ethiopia and Liberia. Thirty new colonies and protectorates were created, ten million square miles of land gained, along with a population of 110 million people2. The 'scramble' was part of the 'New Imperialism' that came about in the late 19th century and historians have debated its causes extensively, but no consensus has ever been reached. These include economic gain, political strategy and nationalism, but no one single factor appears to explain why Europe took control of the continent so quickly and with such aggression. It has been widely accepted that the 'scramble' began as a result of increased interest in the continent owing to explorations by men such as David Livingstone3 and due to King Leopold II of Belgium assuming control over the Congo basin, believing it to be rich in minerals. This upset the balance of power that had existed and began a chain reaction, which led to the European powers competing for new colonies. There is much evidence to

  • Word count: 3738
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Historical and Philosophical studies
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