Countries Colonized Under New Imperialism

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 4 views

Introduction

New imperialism, also known as the "New Scramble for Africa," was a period of intense European colonization that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, European powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy competed for colonies and resources in Africa and other parts of the world. In this article, we will explore some of the countries that were colonized under new imperialism.

The Scramble for Africa

The Scramble for Africa was a period of intense European colonization that occurred in the late 19th century. It was sparked by the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European powers gathered to divide up Africa among themselves. The conference marked the beginning of a new era of imperialism, as European powers sought to expand their empires and gain control over Africa's resources.

Countries Colonized Under New Imperialism

1. Congo Free State

The Congo Free State was a vast territory in central Africa that was colonized by King Leopold II of Belgium in the late 19th century. The Congo Free State was a private colony that was established by King Leopold II, who sought to exploit the region's natural resources, including rubber and ivory. The colony was notorious for its brutal treatment of the local population, who were forced to work in harsh conditions and were subjected to forced labor and other forms of exploitation.

2. Sudan

The Sudan was colonized by Britain and Egypt in the late 19th century. The Sudan was a vast territory in northeastern Africa that was home to a diverse population of Arabs, Nubians, and other ethnic groups. The British and Egyptian colonizers sought to expand their empires and gain control over the region's resources, including cotton and other agricultural products.

3. Ethiopia

Ethiopia was colonized by Italy in the early 20th century. Ethiopia was a ancient kingdom that had a long history of independence and had resisted previous attempts at colonization. However, in 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia and established a colonial government. The Italian colonizers sought to exploit the region's resources, including coffee and other agricultural products.

4. Morocco

Morocco was colonized by France and Spain in the early 20th century. Morocco was a vast territory in northwestern Africa that was home to a diverse population of Arabs, Berbers, and other ethnic groups. The French and Spanish colonizers sought to expand their empires and gain control over the region's resources, including phosphates and other minerals.

5. Angola

Angola was colonized by Portugal in the late 19th century. Angola was a vast territory in southwestern Africa that was home to a diverse population of Bantu-speaking peoples. The Portuguese colonizers sought to expand their empire and gain control over the region's resources, including diamonds and other minerals.

6. Mozambique

Mozambique was colonized by Portugal in the late 19th century. Mozambique was a vast territory in southeastern Africa that was home to a diverse population of Bantu-speaking peoples. The Portuguese colonizers sought to expand their empire and gain control over the region's resources, including cotton and other agricultural products.

7. Kenya

Kenya was colonized by Britain in the late 19th century. Kenya was a vast territory in eastern Africa that was home to a diverse population of Bantu-speaking peoples. The British colonizers sought to expand their empire and gain control over the region's resources, including coffee and other agricultural products.

8. Uganda

Uganda was colonized by Britain in the late 19th century. Uganda was a vast territory in eastern Africa that was home to a diverse population of Bantu-speaking peoples. The British colonizers sought to expand their empire and gain control over the region's resources, including cotton and other agricultural products.

9. Rwanda

Rwanda was colonized by Germany and later by Belgium in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rwanda was a small territory in central Africa that was home to a diverse population of Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. The German and Belgian colonizers sought to expand their empires and gain control over the region's resources, including coffee and other agricultural products.

10. Burundi

Burundi was colonized by Germany and later by Belgium in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Burundi was a small territory in central Africa that was home to a diverse population of Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. The German and Belgian colonizers sought to expand their empires and gain control over the region's resources, including coffee and other agricultural products.

Conclusion

New imperialism was a period of intense European colonization that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, European powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy competed for colonies and resources in Africa and other parts of the world. The countries that were colonized under new imperialism include the Congo Free State, Sudan, Ethiopia, Morocco, Angola, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. These countries were subjected to brutal treatment, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation by their colonizers.

Timeline of New Imperialism

1884-1885: The Berlin Conference marks the beginning of new imperialism in Africa.
1885: King Leopold II of Belgium establishes the Congo Free State as a private colony.
1898: Britain and Egypt colonize the Sudan.
1935: Italy invades Ethiopia and establishes a colonial government.
1912: France and Spain colonize Morocco.
1914: Portugal colonizes Angola and Mozambique.
1895: Britain colonizes Kenya and Uganda.
1916: Germany colonizes Rwanda and Burundi.

Key Players in New Imperialism

King Leopold II of Belgium: King Leopold II was a key player in new imperialism, as he established the Congo Free State as a private colony and exploited the region's resources.
Lord Cromer: Lord Cromer was a British diplomat who played a key role in the colonization of Egypt and the Sudan.
King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy: King Victor Emmanuel III was the king of Italy during the colonization of Ethiopia.
General Louis-Hubert Gonzalve Lyautey: General Lyautey was a French general who played a key role in the colonization of Morocco.
António de Oliveira Salazar: António de Oliveira Salazar was a Portuguese politician who played a key role in the colonization of Angola and Mozambique.

Legacy of New Imperialism

Introduction

Q: What was new imperialism?

A: New imperialism was a period of intense European colonization that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, European powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy competed for colonies and resources in Africa and other parts of the world.

Q: Why did European powers engage in new imperialism?

A: European powers engaged in new imperialism for a variety of reasons, including the desire to expand their empires, gain control over resources, and spread their culture. Many European powers also saw colonization as a way to spread Christianity and Western values.

Q: What were some of the key events of new imperialism?

A: Some of the key events of new imperialism include the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, which marked the beginning of new imperialism in Africa, and the colonization of the Congo Free State by King Leopold II of Belgium.

Q: What were some of the effects of new imperialism on colonized countries?

A: The effects of new imperialism on colonized countries were devastating. Many colonized countries were subjected to forced labor, exploitation of resources, and other forms of exploitation. The colonization of Africa, in particular, led to the displacement of millions of people, the destruction of traditional societies, and the spread of diseases such as smallpox and influenza.

Q: What was the role of King Leopold II of Belgium in new imperialism?

A: King Leopold II of Belgium was a key player in new imperialism, as he established the Congo Free State as a private colony and exploited the region's resources. The Congo Free State was notorious for its brutal treatment of the local population, who were forced to work in harsh conditions and were subjected to forced labor and other forms of exploitation.

Q: What was the significance of the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885?

A: The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was a significant event in the history of new imperialism, as it marked the beginning of new imperialism in Africa. The conference was attended by representatives of European powers, who divided up Africa among themselves and established the rules for colonization.

Q: What was the impact of new imperialism on the global economy?

A: The impact of new imperialism on the global economy was significant. The colonization of Africa and other parts of the world led to the exploitation of resources, the establishment of new trade routes, and the spread of Western capitalism.

Q: What is the legacy of new imperialism today?

A: The legacy of new imperialism is still felt today, as many of the countries that were colonized under new imperialism continue to struggle with the effects of colonialism. The exploitation of resources, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation that occurred during the period of new imperialism have had a lasting impact on the economies and societies of these countries.

Q: What can be done to address the legacy of new imperialism?

A: There are several steps that can be taken to address the legacy of new imperialism, including:

Recognizing the harm that was done during the period of new imperialism and acknowledging the rights of colonized peoples.
Providing reparations and compensation to colonized peoples for the harm that was done.
Supporting the development of colonized countries and promoting economic and social justice.
Promoting cultural exchange and understanding between colonized and colonizing countries.

Conclusion

New imperialism was a period of intense European colonization that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, European powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy competed for colonies and resources in Africa and other parts of the world. The legacy of new imperialism is still felt today, as many of the countries that were colonized under new imperialism continue to struggle with the effects of colonialism.