La colonización de África - Historia y resumen en mapas

Introduction to European Exploration in Africa

This section provides an introduction to the exploration and colonization of Africa by European powers, focusing on the motivations and early trade routes.

The Arab Trade Routes

• In the mid-15th century, Europe had limited knowledge of central and southern Africa.

• However, Arab traders had established lucrative trade routes across the Sahara Desert, supplying Mediterranean countries with gold, ivory, and slaves.

• Europe was more interested in profitable trade routes from Asia, particularly for silk and spices.

Portugal Takes the Lead

• Portugal invented the Caravel, a light and flexible ship that accelerated exploration along African coasts.

• They built trading posts to divert land-based trade routes, including the highly profitable slave trade.

• Vasco De Gama's arrival in India in 1498 solidified Portugal's dominance in the Indian Ocean spice trade.

• Portugal became wealthy without competition from Spain due to the Treaty of Tordesillas dividing their spheres of influence.

Spain's Focus on America

• With Portugal dominating Asian trade routes, Spain turned its attention to exploring and colonizing the Americas.

Competition for African Trade

• Other European powers began establishing themselves along African coasts, challenging Portugal's control over trade.

• Slavery became a major commerce as European ships bought slaves in Africa and traded them in America for gold and local products like sugar and coffee.

Changing Dynamics in Africa

This section explores changing dynamics in Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries as movements against slavery grow and new powers emerge.

Abolitionist Movements

• From the mid-18th century onwards, anti-slavery movements gained momentum in Europe leading to abolition of slave trade.

• The United States initiated repatriation projects for freed slaves, establishing colonies like Liberia.

New Maritime Routes and European Interests

• France and Egypt opened the Suez Canal in the late 19th century, creating a shorter maritime route to Asia.

• European powers became interested in African lands for intensive agriculture to supply European markets.

• The continent's rich resources attracted industrializing European powers.

Berlin Conference and Colonization

• In 1884, the Berlin Conference was held to regulate colonization in Africa.

• European states, with superior military technology, raced to claim as much territory as possible at the expense of local kingdoms and empires.

• Land was often seized from indigenous populations and redistributed to colonizers.

Exploitation and Resistance

This section focuses on the exploitation of African lands by colonial powers and the resistance movements that emerged.

Forced Labor and Taxation

• Indigenous people were subjected to forced labor when unable to pay taxes imposed by colonial authorities.

• They were often compelled to work in fields or mines under harsh conditions.

Italian Failures and British Expansion

• Italy failed to conquer Abyssinia (Ethiopia), which retained its sovereignty internationally.

• The discovery of diamonds and gold in southern Africa led to British expansion into Transvaal and Orange states inhabited by Boers (Dutch descendants).

Belgian Congo and Independence Movements

• King Leopold II ceded control of Congo to Belgium in 1908.

• After negotiations, British colonies gained independence forming the Union of South Africa but remained linked to the British Empire.

World Wars and Decolonization

This section covers the impact of World Wars on African colonies, emergence of independent nations, and changing global dynamics.

World War I

• African colonies were utilized for war efforts with hundreds of thousands of Africans sent to fight in Europe and Africa.

• UK, France, Belgium, and South Africa seized German colonies.

Post-WWI Changes

• Egypt's revolution led to the end of British protectorate, but the UK retained control of the Suez Canal.

• Italy attempted to conquer Abyssinia again but faced resistance. However, Abyssinia never signed an armistice.

• World War II erupted in Europe with African involvement. Italy lost its colonies at the end of the war.

Independence Movements

• After WWII, Ethiopia regained sovereignty and became known as Eritrea.

• The United States supported independence movements and their admission to the UN due to fears of Soviet Union influence and communism spread.

• Madagascar's uprising against French occupation was brutally suppressed.

• Somalia remained under Italian control for another decade while Libya gained independence.

• Kenya witnessed an anti-colonial rebellion.

Conclusion

European exploration and colonization in Africa had significant economic implications through trade routes and exploitation. Changing dynamics during the 18th and 19th centuries led to increased European interest in African lands. Exploitation by colonial powers resulted in forced labor and resistance movements. World Wars further impacted African colonies, leading to decolonization efforts after WWII.

En 1952, el ejército egipcio derroca a la monarquía y entabla una política anticolonial.

This section discusses the events that took place in Egypt in 1952 when the Egyptian army overthrew the monarchy and implemented an anti-colonial policy.

Events in Egypt (1952)

• In 1952, the Egyptian army staged a coup and removed the monarchy from power.

• The army's actions were driven by a desire to establish an independent and anti-colonial government.

• This marked a significant shift in Egypt's political landscape and set the stage for future developments in the country.