The Scramble for Africa: European Occupation of Central Africa

Explore the pivotal events and lasting impacts of European Occupation of Central Africa for colonization. This post delves into the late 19th-century scramble by European powers to dominate this rich region, highlighting the Berlin Conference and the roles of Belgium, France, and Portugal. Discover the profound consequences on local cultures, economies, and the eventual path to independence, shedding light on the complex socio-economic dynamics of Central Africa today.

Have you ever wondered how European powers came to dominate Central Africa? Let’s dive into the history and impact of European occupation in this region.

European occupation of Central Africa began in the late 19th century during a period known as the Scramble for Africa. European nations, driven by the desire for new markets and raw materials, competed fiercely to claim territories across Africa.

Agents instrumental in European occupation of Central Africa

• Missionaries
• hunters
• concession seekers
• Cecil John Rhodes and British South Africa (BSA) Company

Missionaries

Missionaries faced resistance from slave traders who did not approve their opposition of slave trade and some Africans resisted being converted to Christianity. These resistances led the missionaries to seek protection from the British government by encouraging the government to set colonies in the area.

Main mission societies in central Africa

Roman Catholic Church

• In the 19th century Catholic groups such as the White Fathers set up mission stations in what is now Zambia.
• In 1895, Kayambi Mission was set up in the of Chief Makasa
• In 1896, Chilubula Mission was up in the area of Mwamba

Universal Mission to Central Africa (UMCA)

• In 1860, Bishop Mackenzie set up a mission station at Magamero in what is now Malawi. However, it was abandoned after he and other members died of Malaria
• The UMCA returned to Malawi in 1882. Chauncy Maples set up a mission station at Likoma Island.
• Likoma Mission became the headquarters of the Anglican Church in the area.

Free Church of Scotland (FCS)

This mission society was set up in memory of David Livingstone

• In 1875, Robert laws set up a mission station at cape Maclear on the southern tip of Lake Malawi.
• In 1881, the station was moved to Kondore, it became known as the Livingstone London Missionary Society (LMS)
• The LMS mainly set up mission stations in what is now Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• In Zambia, James Helmore and Roger Price set up a mission station at Bulozi in 1859.
• They also set up mission stations at Kambole in Mporokoso, Mbereshi in Kazembe and Mwenzo and Chitambo in Serenje

Hunters

• Reports from ivory hunter who wrote about vast deposits of gold deposits attracted European interest in Southern Africa.

Concession seekers

• A concession is an official licence granted by land owners or government that allows work such as mining or drilling for oil to be carried out in a specific area of land
• Concession seekers wanted to get mineral rights. This meant that they wanted to get concessions that gave them control of areas of land where they could then search for minerals such as copper or gold.

Cecil John Rhodes and the British South Africa Company

Cecil John Rhodes

• Cecil Rhodes was one of the main promoters of British rule in Southern Africa. Rhodes was a British imperialist who made his fortune with his mining company, De Beers, after the discovery of diamonds in South Africa mining politics.
• Rhodes strongly believed in British imperialism, and therefore used his fortune to expand British’s empire in Africa.
• However, his immediate aim was to occupy Mashonaland and Matabeleland in what is now Zimbabwe. He believed gold could be mined there.

The British South Africa (BSA) Company

• Cecil John Rhodes used his influence to establish colonial control over the area that is now known as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
• He achieved this through a series of events that led to his new company, the British South Africa (BSA) Company, gaining over the area.

Plan and Execution of the Occupation of Central Africa

The Berlin Conference of eighteen eighty-four to eighteen eighty-five marked a pivotal moment. Here, European powers set rules for colonizing Africa, without African representation.

This led to arbitrary borders and heightened conflicts. Countries like Belgium, France, and Portugal became key players in Central Africa.

Effect Of the Occupation of Central Africa

King Leopold the Second of Belgium took personal control of the Congo Free State, exploiting its resources and people, which resulted in immense suffering and millions of deaths.

The French and Portuguese focused on resource extraction and infrastructure, but their methods often involved harsh labor conditions and significant disruption of local societies.

The impact of European occupation on Central Africa was profound. Traditional governance structures were altered or dismantled, and European legal and economic systems were imposed.

This often undermined local cultures and economies, leading to long-term social and economic challenges.

Resistance Against Occupation

Resistance to European rule was widespread, though often violently suppressed. Over time, these resistance movements evolved into broader struggles for independence, which gained momentum after World War Two.

By the mid-20th century, the wave of decolonization swept across Africa. Countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and Angola achieved independence, though the legacy of colonization continued to affect their development.

Final Outcome of Colonization

The European occupation of Central Africa reshaped the region in profound ways. From the imposition of new borders to the exploitation of resources and people, its effects are still felt today.

Understanding this history helps us grasp the complex socio-economic dynamics of Central Africa in the present.