“The industrial revolution was the main reason for the Scramble of Africa”. To what extent do you agree?

[20]

In 1871, only 10% of the African continent was under European control. By 1900, only Ethiopia and Liberia
were NOT under European control. In thirty years, European countries had taken control of almost all of
Africa. This movement is known as ‘The Scramble for Africa’ or ‘New Imperialism’.
I strongly agree with this statement that the Industrial revolution was the main reason for the scramble of
Africa.

Europe had been though the Industrial Revolution (roughly 1750-1850) where the way things were made
changed radically. There were no longer 'cottage industries' where people made one or two items a day in
their own home, but now a 'factory system' where hundreds of people worked in a factory producing things
on a larger scale.  
The rapid increase in manufactured goods linked with the European Industrial Revolution created the need for
more raw materials, new markets, and greater investment opportunities. In Africa, explorers located vast
reserves of raw materials, plotted trade routes, and identified population centers that could provide a market
for European goods. The industrial revolution therefore created a huge demand for resources such as cotton
and rubber – which could not be found in Europe so people looked to Africa, certainly after the invention of
quinine, which allowed more exploration of Africa. Previously, Europeans had only set up trading posts on the
African coast. 
Furthermore, developments in railways and steamships, caused by the industrial revolution, made travel both
safer and quicker. Ships were able to easily navigate rivers and offer easier access to African interior.
 
On the other hand, many may also believe that the main reason for the Scramble for Africa was not solely the
Industrial revolution and that various other factors were involved too; such as medical and explorational
advancements. During 18th century Malaria and other diseases were high in Africa. 1817 – French medicine
Quinine proved effective against malaria. As fear of dying to such diseases reduced, more and more people
started venturing Africa. Explorers were financed by businessmen keen to find new resources. 
Most famous – Henry Stanley, Hired by King of Belgium Leopold II, to secure treaties with local chiefs along the
Congo River 

Another factor which many believe was significant was the sense of duty that the Europeans felt they had.
Many Europeans believed that they had a duty to bring order, stability and Christianity to the lives of Africans
– Due to their 'racial superiority'. E.g. missionary-explorer David Livingstone said it was essential to introduce
Africans to the 3C's – Commerce, Christianity, Civilization. The claim that European nations were taking over
Africa in order to improves African lives gave a convenient justification for actions that would actually benefit
the Europeans. Famous authors such as Rudyard Kipling strongly inferred to Africa as the ‘white man’s
burden’.

Overall, and in conclusion I strongly agree with this statement. The industrial revolution was the main reason
for the scramble of Africa because it was the main factor that gave aid to most of the other factors. Despite
the fact that the industrial revolution had a direct incentive to gain resources and establish markets in Africa; it
also indirectly helped most of the other factors. Businessmen from the industrial revolution such as Samuel
Crompton funded transportation and explorational advancements. Furthermore, even king Leopold II financed
Stanley to exploit the ivory and rubber which could be used in the industrial revolution.
Why was Britain increasingly concerned by Germany’s actions after 1890? [10 Marker – TIMED WITH NOTES]

1980 was a turning point in Germany. The German Kaiser, Wilhelm II dismissed Bismarck as chancellor and
was replaced Caprivi and marked the beginning of a ‘new course’. Wilhelm II adopted the policy of Weltpolitik.
This intended to actively search for colonies rather than staying passive; which was called realpolitik
(previously used by Bismarck). I believe this was the main reason as to why Britain was becoming increasingly
concerned by Germany’s actions. Actions to prove that Britain was concerned can be demonstrated by
alliances such as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902); Entante Cordiale (1904); Algeciras Conference (1906);
and the Triple Entante (1907).

The reason as to why Bismarck adopted the policy of Weltpolitik was so that international tensions with
Germany would maintain relatively low. However, with the Kaisers intentions to use Weltpolitik, Britain would
feel anxious. The movement of actively searching for more land would mean that Britain lose out on potential
land; as well as valuable resources. To move forward on the so-called new course various actions were taken.
Caprivi was given power in the rebuilding of the German Navy. one trip it's with the assistance of the guys are
past two neighbor laws in 1988 and 1900 which both expanded the German Navy as big as Britain’s (including
41 battleships and 60 cruisers). This significantly worried the British because Germany did not need a big Navy
(as they had very few colonies to control). Hence this action to them was not justified. Britain whose status as
the most. powerful naval nation had been unchallenged for centuries felt worried. This act was interpreted as
a sign that Germany were planning to increase their colonies and potentially attack.
Hence Weltpolitik significantly concerned Britain.

The Moroccan crises of both 1905 and 1911 may have also contributed to Britain’s concerns by Germany.
In March 1905 the guys interrupted his Mediterranean cruise to land at Tangier. by greeting the Sultan of
Morocco pointedly as an independent ruler, he indicated that Germany did not accept France’s position in
Morocco. The Germans then demanded a conference on the future of Morocco and the resignation of
Delcasse (French statesman). Although this was more directed towards France. This was aimed to stir up
tensions between France and Britain. However, their bullying tactics only led to a strengthening of the newly
formed Anglo-French Entente
In March 1911, French authorities claimed, rebel tribes staged an uprising in Morocco, endangering one of the
country’s capital cities, Fez. The sultan appealed to France for help restoring order, which led the French to
send their troops to Fez on May 21. Germany, however, wary of French power in Africa, believed the French
had fomented the tribal revolt to create an excuse to occupy Morocco. The German foreign secretary, Alfred
von Kiderlen-Wachter, neglected to consult key personnel, including the chiefs of the armed forces, before
sending a naval cruiser, the Panther, to anchor in the harbor of Agadir on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, asserting
Germany’s claims of French aggression on July 1 in an attempt to encourage resistance against the French
among the native population. The German ‘panther’ ended up saving one German Civilian.
Both these crisis worried Britain because it now became clear that Germany wanted to stir tensions between
Britain and France. Furthermore, they were determined to colonize more land.

Lastly, the Kruger Telegram sent in 1896. This was a telegram sent by the German Kaiser to Kruger.
Congratulating him on fighting off the Jameson raid. Criticized due to potential conflict and newly created
tensions between the British violence in London towards German shops and sailors.
The telegram was interpreted as the Kaiser encouraging Transvaal’s independence, and a reference about help
from friendly powers”. Implied his willingness to help defeat British powers. Hence, and justified that Britain
became increasingly worried.

In conclusion, I strongly believe the main reason for Britain becoming increasingly concerned by Germany’s
actions after 1890 was the transition from realpolitik to Weltpolitik. All other events such as the Naval Laws;
the Moroccan Crisis; and potentially the Kruger telegram would simply not occur without Weltpolitik.
Realpolitik was aimed to stay ‘under cover’ and not be involved in international tensions. Whereas Weltpolitik
did the opposite and was a trigger to most of the events that followed (in context of getting Britain
concerned).