Imperialism in Africa and Asia

558 Words3 Pages
In the mid-1800s, Europeans decided to explore Africa’s land. One of the most significant of these European explorers was the Scottish missionary, David Livingstone. Livingston arrived in Africa in 1840, and stayed there for 30 years. During those years, he set up missions and sent detailed reports of his discoveries to Great Britain. Henry M. Stanley was sent to Africa after they had lost track of Livingston to find him. Stanley also led several of the explorations through central Africa himself. Europe grew great interest in Africa and their abundance of resources after hearing of Stanley and Livingston’s reports. European countries eventually started making claims on Africa. France ordered Algiers in hopes to colonize it. France also conquered Tunis and secured special rights on Morocco. The Suez Canal built by Ferdinand de Lessepes joined the Mediterranean and Red Seas. It became a very important shortcut between Asia and Europe. Italy took control of Tripoli and renamed it Libya when they defeated the Ottoman Turks in 1911. The Dutch settled in Southern Africa. In 1875, 14 countries would then meet in Berlin. In 1885, Germany agreed to partition. By 1914, European nations controlled 90% of Africa. European imperialism also occurred in Asia in the 1500s. The East India Company was founded because of the amount of traders sailing along India’s coast. As the Christianity and European customs were imposed on India and rebellion would break out: Indian soldiers would rebel against their British commanders. The revolt led to massacres of thousands of unarmed Indians and bitterness on both sides. The British government improved India's economic development by installing telegraph lines, digging irrigation canals and establishing schools and universities. However they also discriminated against Indians, when forcing them to give up their traditional and ancient ways.

More about Imperialism in Africa and Asia

Open Document