During the 15th century, the world was caught in the age of exploration. After Columbus, everyone realized that there were still undiscovered land masses that held numerous resources and extreme profit. Due to the fact that the Americas were occupied by Spain and Portugal, much of Europe turned its eyes to Africa. Consequently, Africa was a huge land mass that was just waiting to be explored, especially since Portugal hadn’t gone beyond the outer edge. The reasons for European imperialism in Africa were due to the want for more resources to boost the economy, the advantage of better technology, and a need to establish a position of power.
Africa had an abundance of resources that made it invaluable to have as a colony. While each country had its own resources, establishing colonies was a great way to get more resources for cheaper prices. The new resources also produced new products for industrial and economic uses (Doc D). Industries like Portugal, Belgium, France, Great Britain, and Germany benefitted a lot from the African resources (Doc D). The
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For instance, in the 1800s, the Rifle gun, “a fast-loading gun used to fire multiple shots”, was invented (Doc C). The gun was a faster weapon that could be used from a distance instead of close combat. It could be used to stop riots and shut down any resistance from the natives. The Industrial Revolution can be credited for the inventions and discoveries of the Steam engine, Quinine, the Telegraph, Bessemer Process, Maxim Gun, the Rife gun, and etc. (Doc C). Additionally, the Europeans thought that it was their duty to “Fill full mouth of Famine/And bid the sickness cease” (Doc F). They discovered the treatment for Malaria and that was the important knowledge that could save people from dying. Many of those discoveries and inventions were the cause of European influence in Africa and the integration of the