What motivated European imperialism and why was it so successful in Africa?

Answer 1

European Imperialism stemmed from a long tradition of monarchies. When European civilizations were developing, they were based on Ancient Roman and Greek leadership models in which "the few" ruled "the many." In ancient Rome, for example, a very small, elite group of families, known as "The Patricians" ruled. They were extremely powerful, but depended on the loyalty of the politically weak masses. They formed a "Patron/Client" relationship, where the powerful families (the Patrons) would do favors for and help the poor (the Clients) in exchange for loyalty and support. This model worked very well and in most European countries "Royal" families came into power (usually through brute force and lots of violence) and had to have the support of everyone else in order to rule. This system worked for centuries and one of the most important features of Imperialism was the conquering of vast lands or "empires". European leaders were never satisfied with the amount of power and land that they owned and they were constantly seeking more wealth, land and subjects and competing with other leaders for supremacy. If a leader was successful, they would invade a "weaker" country and establish themselves as the new leader. There had to be a careful balance of ensuring that their new subjects were fearful enough not to challenge their new leader, but also not decimating the native culture. There was usually a blend of cultures with the dominant, invading culture having supremacy, but incorporating many aspects of the native, existing culture. The newcomers inter-married with the established people and over time a blending of the cultures occurred. Imperialism was so successful in parts of Africa because the native cultures were not prepared to defend against such ruthless invaders. It was like playing chess with either side playing with different rules and in the case of imperialism, might and strength won in every case. African cultures at the time of Imperial invasions were adapted to the specific needs of the people living there and many of the cultures were thriving in small hunter-gatherer type societies. These were completely appropriate for the climate and location, but left the African people unprepared to defend themselves against vast armies and powerful invaders. Imperialists usually began the occupation of Another Country with a great show of force and often extreme violence. Once the local people were subdued and accepting of the newcomers (not by choice, obviously) they softened their tactics and the true power of imperialism began; the infiltration of the native culture with the outside culture. For example, in India, during the British Imperial occupation, violence and degradation of the native people of India was rampant. The native people of India were reduced to second class citizens in their own country, by the group of invaders from a small European island group (England/Great Britain) The British people came from a much, much smaller land mass, but had a powerful and well trained army and a vast and experienced navy. The standard to living in England was extremely high compared to many "third world" countries, such as India. The English population was much smaller than that of England and decent healthcare, housing and food were available to a much larger portion of the population than the people of India. England had the political support and backing of many powerful European countries who wanted to reap the monetary and political benefits of an alliance with British occupied India. India produced large quantities of high quality tea, silk and spices and by using the cheap, forced labor of Indian natives, the British were able to make a huge profit controlling the exportation of these luxury goods. Even though England eventually withdrew from India, their most powerful influence on India will probably never end. Aside from the violence and oppression of the Indian people, the English spread their unique culture and ideals throughout India. This changed Indian culture forever and you can still see the huge impact that England had, culturally, on India. (This worked in reverse as well, and Indian culture has strongly affected England as well). This same situation happened in Africa to a lesser degree. South Africa is a country that has the strongest remaining evidence of European Imperialism, with many generations of people of European descent and culture living there.

Answer 2

The desire for trade motivated European Imperialism in the 19th century. Greed and Luck also played a part. In Mexico, the Spanish happened to go to war against the Aztecs just as most of the peoples they had conquered were ready to rebel. In Peru, Pizarro led the Spanish conquest into the midst of a Civil War. In Africa, the Arab raiders were destroying the great civilizations just as the British and French were moving in. It would be like what might happen if a powerful country moved into Somalia and Sudan today. The people wanted anyone who would restore order and protect them from the Arabs. In India, a civil war broke out and threw out the old government. England had a few colonies. Since England was the weakest contender, all of the players agreed to let England take control of India. So the Europeans came to Africa and India for trade and took over the government more by luck than anything else.