The Scramble for Africa

The Scramble for Africa is a time in history that is described in Heart of Darkness. In the book, we are given an account of what is happening in Africa, but through the eyes of an unreliable narrator. I wanted to focus on what happened (in great detail), which is why I looked for information on The Scramble for Africa/Berlin Conference. Some of the points mentioned in both the book and Video are the:  Leopold II of Belgium Congo Free State, 165,000 Africans  who fought in the world war, and the brutal beatings against the cities of Africa.

The ignorance of both the Africans and Europeans, one believing that they could be treated as equals, and the other believing that they were superior and entitled, made what came to be ‘the Scramble for Africa’. Colonialism is the method in which Europeans obtain new materials and free labor, which leads them to essentially take whatever can, and squeeze all that is useful. Also, the European believe in cultural assimilation, and they force themselves upon the colonies and get a hold of all that Africa provides for economic and political gain. (The complete destruction of all that was helping Africa progress). Looking back, the power struggle was evident when Europe was struggling after the French revolution, and this motivated the fight for political supremacy. The Berlin Conference (Congo conference), which proposed to abolish slavery and allow trade between Africa and Europe, was actually an act that allowed Europe to cut up African colonies and claim them as their own. This separation, in turn, causes panic with-in the villages because resources are cut off, and makes Africa easy to dominate. The Scramble for Africa, also known as the scramble for resources, allowed Europeans access to diamonds, cocoa beans, rubber, and free labor.

Later, 90% of Africa was under the control of Europe, and therefore, Africans were taught to believe that the European culture was to be followed and aspired to, and they were also made believe that they used to be uncivilized, before the Europeans. The idea of the ‘Other’, was seen as a way to convert the Africans into people who would be recognizable, relatable, and share the “same” education, religion, and literature/language. As time past, the European controlled villages, and they would choose a leader to represent each group, in order to keep a close eye on any problems that could arise. At this time, many believed that Europe was the mother country and for that reason, Africans fought at its side. This happened until 1960 (The year of Africa) through the African nationalism, or so they thought. The lack of information and resources has made it hard for Africa to recover from the grasp of colonialism; as there was a secret interaction with African and Europe after independence was granted. In Africa - States of independence - The Scramble for Africa, we are given two points of view, as well as, further details that could possibly help us better understand the Scramble for Africa. The map that captivated Marlow’s attention does not mean much to him, at first.