The European Scramble for Africa took place in late 19th and early 20th centuries which caused various reactions and actions from the Africans. Most of these decisions relating to leadership were settled by Europeans, otherwise known as the Berlin Conference. Due to these decisions made by the Europeans, the ample reactions and actions of the African people ranged from acceptance, disapproval, and brutal conflict; as provided in articles. As the historical data provided may not help to completely answer the question, additional documents are needed to help accomplish this task. A common reaction that was shown by many Africans was the reaction of acceptance. In 1886, the Royal Niger Company aspired to obtain land from the Africans in a legal …show more content…
In 1891, an African Ashanti leader politely rejected the Europeans offer to rule over them (Doc 2). This Ashanti leader claims that the Ashanti kingdom “must remain as of the old” as well as “never [committing] to such policy”. This shows an African disapproval toward European rule as the Ashanti leader greatly defends his argument himself, showing great concern for his tribe. Therefore this document would be a trustworthy example, since a reliable speaker speaks for himself rather than having his argument told by another source. Furthermore, in 1891, another response is given by Menelik II about declining this offer of European rule in a more harsh and furious type of tone. (Doc 3) This tone shows the inner fury of the African peoples, that this European rule can have the power to destroy their cultures as well as their society. Even Menelik II states that he “[can not] think for a moment that He [referencing to Jesus Christ] will divide Ethiopia”. In 1905, Europeans describe Africans in their own terms, describing the African methods of a magic medicine. (Doc 8) This medicine would act to protect them from their enemies. It’s shown how this medicine protects these peoples so they wouldn’t have to fight in violence. Yet since this document is told by a non-African, these accusations may not be completely …show more content…
In 1896, the battle of Adwa was fought and the Ethiopians won. (Doc 5) This conflict itself shows the disapproval of rule since these Ethiopians were fighting with Italian troops, illustrating that these people are not on friendly terms. This shows the resistance of rule due to the fact that the Ethiopians put forth the effort to save their country even though a higher power had invaded. In 1877, a battle on the Congo River was fought between the Germans and Africans. (Doc 9) This African chief is thought to describe these people as “wicked” for taking away “land and [other] possessions,” as this shows the internal hate for the rule and conflicts fought with these European peoples. Again in 1896, Kumalo describes how these men “treated [them] like slaves” doing such activities as being “ordered to carry their clothes and bundles.” (Doc 4) This unveils the darkness of the Europeans as well as the strong dislike of those peoples being in their country. In 1990, Asantewa, an Ashanti queen mother, comments on the inactivity of her fellow men. (Doc 6) Asantewa seems to call out these men on their lack of action and comments that they (the women of the tribe, who are not supposed to fight) will fight for them. As Asantewa goes on, she uses an encouraging tone to try to rally up these peoples to actually fighting against the foreign powers; a revolution. In 1904, Maherero, a leader of