The late 19th century was a period of intense imperial competition as European powers sought to expand their territories and control over resources in Africa. Cecil Rhodes, leading the British South Africa Company, was among the entrepreneurs who played a significant role in this scramble for Africa, driven by the expectation of discovering valuable minerals such as gold, copper, and diamonds.
The Quest for Mineral Wealth
Cecil Rhodes and his British South Africa Company were particularly instrumental in the colonization efforts within Southern Africa. Their primary motivation was the pursuit of mineral wealth, which they believed to be abundant in the regions around the Transvaal. This belief was based on earlier discoveries and fueled the competitive drive for territorial expansion.
British Expansion and Control
In the face of these ambitions, Britain successfully extended its influence and control over several key areas. Bechuanaland (now Botswana) came under British control, along with the territories that would later be known as Rhodesia (Zimbabwe and Zambia) and Nyasaland (Malawi). These acquisitions were facilitated by the British South Africa Company and marked significant strides in Britain’s imperial dominance in the region.
Portuguese Colonial Movements
Simultaneously, Portugal, another colonial power with longstanding interests in Africa, made strategic moves inland to consolidate its hold over Mozambique. Despite being considered weaker compared to other European powers, Portugal managed to maintain and even expand its territories, including Angola and Mozambique, due to the preoccupation of Germany and France with British expansion in Central Africa.
Anglo-German Rivalry and Settlements
The rivalry between Britain and Germany played a crucial role in shaping the boundaries in East Africa. The two nations, vying for control, negotiated various agreements to delineate their spheres of influence and avoid direct conflict. The 1886 Anglo-German agreement addressed tensions over Zanzibar and Tanganyika by establishing separate zones for each power.
The 1890 Anglo-German Treaty
A more comprehensive settlement came with the 1890 Anglo-German treaty, which further divided the contested territories. Britain secured Uganda and recognition of its paramount interest in the island of Zanzibar, while Germany gained Tanganyika (present-day Tanzania), along with Ruanda and Urundi (Rwanda and Burundi). These divisions solidified the presence of both powers in East Africa and shaped the political landscape of the region.
Britain’s East African Railway and Protectorate
As part of its strategy to consolidate control over its East African territories, Britain embarked on an ambitious project to construct a railway connecting the interior to the coast. This infrastructure was vital for the exploitation of resources and the establishment of effective colonial administration. The construction of the railway led to the creation of the East African Protectorate, which would later become Kenya. The protectorate encompassed the area through which the railway passed, marking a significant development in Britain’s colonial enterprise.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the quest for mineral wealth influence the actions of European powers in Africa during the late 19th century?
2. What role did treaties and agreements between colonial powers play in shaping the territorial boundaries in Africa?
3. In what ways did infrastructure projects like the East African railway contribute to the consolidation of colonial control in Africa?
