![]() ![]() Many of these individuals were interested only in obtaining riches or in recreating European culture in Africa. Meanwhile, Europeans took advantage of rivalries between African peoples and forged alliances with some groups against others.īy the late 1870s, Africa had begun to attract other kinds of Europeans: adventurers and entrepreneurs. Some tried to regulate or prohibit contact with Europeans. Many coastal states, however, had already become too dependent on overseas trade to cut their ties with Europe. In addition, some missionaries provided essential information to European armies and supported military expeditions against African groups that refused to accept Christianity.Īfrican rulers did not develop a common policy toward the Europeans. After converting to Christianity, many Africans would no longer recognize the authority of their local chiefs. However, Christian missionaries also became a disruptive force in African society. The missionaries acted as intermediaries between Africans and Europeans and often helped settle disputes between indigenous communities. They also appointed officials to protect commercial interests at strategic points along the coasts.Ĭhristian missionaries were the first Europeans to establish outposts in the interior of Africa. Eventually, European nations negotiated alliances and trading treaties with the coastal peoples. Although merchants generally operated independently, from time to time they called on their home governments for help in dealing with hostile Africans. The first European settlements in Africa were established by traders. ![]() By the late 1880s, they had divided up most of the continent among themselves, without permission from the African peoples. In the 1870s rival European nations raced to colonize as much African territory as possible. To achieve this goal, they attempted to overpower African peoples and force them to accept foreign rule. Impressed by the continent's abundant supply of natural resources, Europeans sought to exploit the potential wealth. At the same time, the nature of European interest in Africa changed dramatically. Their missionaries traveled throughout the continent, seeking to convert Africans and spread Western culture.īy the late 1800s many Africans had begun to accept and adapt various elements of European civilization. Along with efforts to end slavery, Europeans also tried to bring Christianity to Africa. ![]() About 30 years later, a group of Americans established LIBERIA for freed slaves and their descendants. In 1787 the British founded a colony for freed slaves in SIERRA LEONE. One reason for this increased involvement was growing opposition to the SLAVE TRADE. During this period, Europeans had very little influence in Africa.įrom the mid-1700s to 1880s, Europeans became more involved in the continent. They made little attempt to explore the interior. Sailing along the shores of the continent, they established trading posts and engaged in commerce with local peoples. OVERVIEW OF COLONIALISMīetween the 1400s and 1800s, Europeans began to take an interest in Africa, mainly the coastal regions. The legacy continues to influence the history of the continent. Colonialism in Africa created nations and shaped their political, economic, and cultural development. It reached a peak in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when European powers dominated many parts of the continent. The colonial experience began in the late 1400s, when Europeans arrived and set up trading posts in Africa. Colonialism, which refers to the establishment of political and economic control by one state over another, had an enormous impact on Africa.
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