Why colonization of african continent took place in the last quarter of 19th century?
Colonization of the African Continent The colonization of the 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 (also referred to as “The Feast of the Beast”) held from 1884 to 1885, chaired by Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany. It was during this last quarter of the 19th century (1880s) that Europeans formally established their rule and economic systems across the 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 skyrocket during this period? The reasons for colonization can be divided into economic, political, and social factors, as outlined below: Economic ...