Unit 4: Nationalism, Industrialism, and Imperialism
Lesson C: European Division of the African Continent
Activity 1: Early Interactions between Europe and Africa
Europeans and Africans had a long history of interaction. This historical interaction was primarily a result of trade. Different regions of Africa were dominated by trade with specific European countries, and these European countries claimed the right to control these areas of Africa.
Directions: Study the maps of Africa and answer the questions that follow.
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Written Activity - Notebook
In your notebook, respond to the following questions:
- Which parts of Africa were Europeans most interested in prior to the 20th century?
- Why would Europeans be interested in these areas? How do you think Europeans were able to secure these lands?
- In what ways is the 20th century map different from the previous maps? Why do you think the map changed so much?
- Through the centuries identified on the maps, how did European claims in Africa change and how did they stay the same? Which countries had territory in the 20th century that was previously claimed by other European countries?
- How do you think the native Africans reacted to the patterns seen on the maps? How do you think the Europeans treated the native Africans?
As you examined these maps, you should have noticed that different regions of Africa appear to be under the influence of similar European countries. In this next activity, you will learn about the different regions of Africa and how the divisions that you saw in these maps emerged.
Classroom Activity - European Interactions in Africa
Jigsaw
Directions: In this activity, you will complete a jigsaw activity in a group to learn about the different regions of Africa and their interactions with Europeans. While working in your group, you will be responsible for teaching others and learning from others. Use the fact sheets to study information about these regions. Your teacher may assign additional research about these regions.
Download the Student Resource: Regions of Africa Jigsaw (pdf).
Discussion
Directions: Prepare a response to the discussion questions below. Follow your teacher's directions to participate in your class discussion.
- In general, how did Africa and Europe interact prior to the Age of Discovery?
- What role did trade have on the interactions between Africa and Europe?
- What role did slavery have on the interactions between Africa and Europe?
- What role did the desire for economic resources have on European desires to interact with and in Africa?
- In what ways did interaction with Europe eventually lead to imperialism?
