British Colonial Expansion in Africa and Imperial Causes

British Colonial Ambitions in Africa

The United Kingdom sought the union of its colonies along a line from Egypt to South Africa, known historically as the Cairo-Cape Route. This ambition obviously clashed with the interests of other powers.

Other British provinces included:

• Sierra Leone
• Gold Coast
• Nigeria
• The coast of Zanzibar
• British Somaliland (near the exit of the Red Sea)

Key Colonial Conflicts and Crises

Colonial conflicts erupted, particularly around the year 1898. These conflicts contributed to a sense of collective depression in certain nations.

The most important conflicts include:

Fashoda Incident (1898)

A confrontation between France and the United Kingdom occurred in Fashoda (in present-day Sudan) because the colonial interests of both countries clashed. The standoff lasted for several months, but France ultimately withdrew. The United Kingdom secured the territory, leading to disappointment in France as they recognized the United Kingdom's greater strength.

Ultimatum Crisis (1890)

This crisis involved the United Kingdom and Portugal. Portugal claimed the right to unite Angola and Mozambique, while Britain sought to connect Egypt with the Cape. A clash was inevitable. Britain presented an ultimatum to Portugal, forcing Portugal to abandon its project and leaving the way open for British expansion. The British often achieved conquest by force.

Spanish Colonial Losses and National Impact

Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines had been Spanish colonies since the 15th century. The cultural mixing was significant, and many Spaniards considered Cuba an integral part of Spain, even granting it representation in the Spanish parliament. The loss of these colonies (culminating around 1898) led to a feeling of national depression in Spain, contributing to the cultural and intellectual movement known as the Generation of '98.

Drivers of Imperial Expansion

The main drivers, or causes of imperialism, can be designated as demographic, economic, and political.

Economic Motivations

• Search for Raw Materials: As domestic sources were depleted, industries needed new sources to increase production. They looked for cheap and abundant raw materials and energy. Colonies were assigned the role of supplying metropolitan industries with resources like coal, oil, tea, sugar, and cocoa.
• Search for New Markets: Colonies served as captive markets, ensuring the placement and sale of industrial products, mostly sold to the population originating from the metropolis.
• Cheap Labor: The use of unskilled, cheap, and docile labor (often enslaved or coerced) reduced the cost of raw material extraction and contributed to the success of plantation agriculture.