Dbq- the Acquistion of African Colonies free essay sample

In the period of 1880 to 1914, positive and negative attitudes ascended throughout the acquisition of African colonies. Some thought that it would reinforce Europes economy and government, others supposed it would add pressures to Europe; it end up being a benefit to the economy, strengthen the nation and civilizing Africa. Motivations would be up brought upon the vague consideration about this dilemma. Some of the motivations were seen with positive attitudes about the acquisition with the pro imperialist who benefited the economy in documents 2, 5, and 12. During the acquisition, the purchase of the Suez Canal was seen more of a positive attitude towards the government it was a nationalistic attitude. Benjamin Disraeli discusses his opinion of the Suez Canal how it should be purchase for the benefit of the strengthening of the empire rather than a financial investment. He expresses his attitude discussing how he would not recommend that purchase as a commercial speculation but rather for the rise of the empire (D2). Since Benjamin Disraeli was delivering a speech to the House of Commons, he probably chose his words carefully as his purpose was to persuade members to support his political agenda (POV). Cecil Rhodes emphasizes his attitude when he mentions that 5 % increase of philanthropy is better than just good stating that increases will always be a benefit, he agrees with the acquisition (D5). For Louis Bernard his encouraging attitude can be seen when he mentions that his new conquering of Algeria he was allowed to forget his humiliation back in France. His participation allowed him to annexed provinces, Alsace and Lorraine making it also a nationalistic attitude (D12). The positive attitudes whether it included economic or nationalistic that were seen here expressed the perspectives of important individuals towards the European acquisition of the colonies. Some motivations also had negative attitudes that were seen towards the acquisition about the strengthen of the nation in documents 3, 6 and 9. Chancellor Otto von Bismarck reflects his attitude towards his map of Africa located in Europe. His demand that he is in the middle between Russia and France is what his map of Africa looks like (D3). Bismarck was most concerned with power politics on the European continent; his comments regarding imperialism seem somewhat ironic (POV). Careful treaties with native chiefs of Independent State of Congo were made between Mr. Henry M. Stanley and several soldiers having whole villages have been signed away to their Majesty (D6). This was seen as an anti-imperialist attitude because of cultural reasons, villages being signed away it was all negative. Economic negative attitudes are seen when the Resolution of the German Social Democratic Party Congress, 1900 speaks that World and colonial power is pursued for capitalist exploitation and for displaying military force which corresponds to the greedy desire of the bourgeoisie to invest its ever-increasing capital and to the desire for new markets which each country tries to usurp to itself. This had a negative attitude because it’s mentioning how colonial power only brings severe greedy consequences upon each country and should not be enforced. The resolution from the German Social Democratic Party Congress is probably a biased source since as socialists they would naturally condemn a capitalist agenda (D9). The motivations behind the civilization of Africa are viewed in documents 1, 4, 7 and 11. Economic motivations and political global power such as the advantages of expansion and prosperity where analyzed by Prince Leopold announcing that expansions can no longer occur in Europe but rather must be done around the globe for resources. Colonies were useful since they play a great part in making up power and prosperity of states; where there are unoccupied lands he would prove to the world that Belgians also are an imperial people capable of dominating and enlightening others and providing raw materials (D1). As heir to the Belgian throne, it is not surprising that Prince Leopold supported imperialism since he wanted to increase the power and prestige of the country he would one day rule (POV). Capitalism motivations for Chamberlain stated that many sufferings from depression of trade and many were unemployed, if they reduced the empire to the United Kingdom half their population would be starved which were for market and trade (D4). The motivation of Chamberlain was as British industrialist to support imperialism as he stood to gain economically from the continued growth of the British Empire (POV). Nationalism also took part in the motivation for Clark as he mention that although in its essence capitalism is international the present it is accustomed to find in exaggerated forms of nationalism its most potent ally (D7). The regaining of national glory was a motivation for the French as they went to new territories by virtue of the right of a civilized race to occupy territories and leave behind people who are barbarism and unable to develop the wealth of their land. It was their duty to occupy their territories and also duty toward those peoples and shouldn’t forget (D11). The motivation towards economic expansion and prosperity, capitalism, and political reasons was what individuals use to gain African colonies. Various motivations that were positive and negative attitudes build a perspective to those around 1880-1914 of the idea of supporting or going against the European acquisition of African colonies.