Dbq African Imperialism

Between the period from 1880 to 1914, European powers went after overseas empires in Africa. The governments and political leaders of the European powers believed that this colonization of the African empires was necessary to maintain their global influence. A second group of people supposed that African colonization was the result of the greedy Capitalists who only cared for new resources and markets. The third group of people claimed it to be their job to enlighten and educate the uncivilized people of Africa. Although the political leaders of European powers encouraged colonization of African empires to advance their nation's global influence, others argued that it was only for the profiteering of the Capitalists who sought new resources and markets from Africa and those who benefited from colonization argued that these actions were necessary in order to civilize the African people.

European heads of states or Political leaders promoted the Colonization of Africa to encourage greater influence of the European nation around the world. In his speech to the House of Commons in February of 1876, Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister, argued that the purchase of the Suez Canal would indeed strengthen the empire (Document 2). Disraeli would obviously encourage colonization in order to increase his term in order to increase his political influence. Prince Leopold, heir to the throne of Belgium and future king, also said that the acquisition of African colonies would be "the opportunity to prove to the world that Belgians also are an imperial people capable of dominating and enlightening others" (Document 1). This shows the pressure of less powerful European powers, such as Belgium, to acquire colonies to advance their global influence. Leopold held these views because the more strong European powers had colonized.