Why colonization of africa took place in the last quarter of 19th century?

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Colonization of African Continent
An illustration depicting European powers scrambling and dividing Africa

Colonization of African continent was the process through which European powers such as Britain, Germany, Portugal, France, and Belgium took control over Africa in all spheres of life, politically, socially, and economically.

Colonization officially began soon after the Berlin Conference from 1884 to 1885, chaired by Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany. 

It was during this last quarter of 19th century (1880s), that Europeans formally established their rule and economic systems across African continent.

To understand the timing of colonization, historians must consider several questions:

Why didn’t colonization happen before the 1880s or after?

What occurred in Europe that hastened the process?

Why did interest in Africa suddenly increased during this period?

Reasons for colonization can be divided into economic, political, and social factors, as outlined below:

Economic Reasons;

1. Industrial Revolution in Europe.

The Industrial Revolution marked a rapid change in production methods and reached its peak in the 1880s. 

It was characterized by the invention of machines and rapid industrial growth. 

Industrial revolution created intense industrial competition and led to several economic needs that drove the colonization of Africa:
  • Need for raw materials: European industries required large quantities of raw materials such as rubber, coffee, cotton, sisal, gold, diamonds, and copper due to increased demand and limited supply in Europe. 
  • Need for markets: The rise in mass production caused surplus manufactured goods that could not be absorbed by European markets. Africa provided a new market for these products, turning African continent into dumping ground for surplus goods.
  • Need for investment opportunities: During the periods of mercantile and competitive capitalism, European nations accumulated excess capital. Africa, being largely unexplored and uninvested, offered attractive opportunities for investment to generate further profits.
  • Demand for cheap labor: European plantations and mines in Africa required intensive labor. Hiring European workers was costly, while African laborers could be employed at minimal wages. Colonization made it easier to exploit cheap African labor and maximize profits.
  • Resettlement of surplus population: Improvements in health care, water supply, and general living conditions in Europe led to rapid population growth. This resulted in unemployment and overcrowding. Colonizing Africa offered an outlet to resettle Europe's surplus population and ease social tensions.
  • Managing class conflict: In Europe, working-class movements like Chartism, Luddism, and trade unions demanded higher wages and better working conditions, which reduced industrial profits. Colonization allowed capitalists to shift production to Africa where labor was cheaper and less organized, preserving their profit margins.
2. Advancement in maritime technology, such as steamships, iron-hulled boats, and gunboats. 

Steam ships enabled faster and safer travel to Africa, allowing penetration of inland rivers, and strengthened European naval dominance. It also helped making exploration, conquest, and control of African territories easier during the Scramble for Africa.

Political Reasons

1. Preventing war among the European powers. 

European powers held the Berlin Conference (1884–1885) where they agreed on rules for dividing Africa.

Agreements were; peacefully settlement of conflicts, unity and confidentiality among Europeans and peacefully sharing of Navigable rivers.

Berlin Conference prevented war between scrambling European powers like British, Germany, French and Portugal over Congo basin. 

2. National Prestige and Glory.

European powers especially imperialists, believed that owning colonies enhanced national prestige. 

The possession of more colonies during the 19th century was seen as a symbol of power and strength for a Nation.

Colonization was thus driven by the desire to boost national pride and political influence.

3. The French Revenge movement.

The Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) ended with a defeat to the French. After its defeat, France lost territories of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany. 

To regain its lost prestige and gain global influence, France turned its attention to Africa, particularly to regions like Tunisia and Morocco. This further accelerated the colonial competition among European powers.


Social Reasons.

1. Humanitarian and Civilizing Mission.

Some European scholars and missionaries argued that colonization was necessary to "civilize" Africans, who were perceived as backward due to practices like inter-tribal warfare, slavery, and traditional beliefs.
 
Africa was considered the last "uncivilized" continent, up to the 19th century, therefore many Europeans felt morally obligated to bring Western religion, education, and cultural values to the African people. 

This justification was used to hide, the exploitative motives behind colonization.


Conclusion

Colonization of Africa in the last quarter of the 19th century resulted in the loss of sovereignty for African societies and exploitation of human and natural resources. 

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