Define Weltpolitik

Weltpolitik (German: [ˈvɛltpoliˌtiːk], "world politics") was the imperialist foreign policy adopted by the German
Empire during the reign of Emperor Wilhelm II. The aim was to transform Germany into a global power.

Define Realpolitik
a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.
Used by Bismarck – aim was to get Germany stable again rather than gamble everything on the line for
colonialism

Why did European nations sign the Treaty of Berlin in 1885? [10]

European nations were competing for African possessions and there was an obvious risk that this could lead to
conflict between them. The Treaty aimed to minimise this risk by regulating the actions of European nations,
ensuring that they respected each other’s possessions. The Treaty therefore defined the process necessary for
a European country to ‘officially’ claim control of African territory. At the same time, the Treaty ensured that
vital transport routes (e.g. Rivers Congo and Niger) remained accessible to all. The Treaty also provided a
moral justification for European acquisition of African possessions by stating that slavery was to be abolished
throughout Africa – this was to satisfy the opposition which the ‘scramble for Africa’ faced within Europe
itself. Some historians argue that Africa provided a ‘safety valve’ – a place where European nations could
enhance their wealth, power and prestige without risking war. The Treaty was designed to ensure that war
was avoided.

Explain why European nations engaged in a ‘Scramble for Africa’ during the late nineteenth century [10]

In 1871, only 10% of Africa was under direct European control – most of it in the coastal regions. By 1900, over
90% of Africa was under the colonial rule of European nations. This was the scramble for Africa. There were
many reasons for this – Medical advancements, abolishment of slavery and Europeans wanting to expand
borders with the main reason being medical advancements. 
The main reason for the scramble for Africa was medical advances. This made explorers less fearful of moving
inland. (For 400 years, Europeans really hadn’t moved in land from coastal areas!). Businessmen were more
prepared to finance expeditions. Therefore, making more land available to get taken over. For example,
Leopold II. King of Belgium 1865-1909 – sent the British explorer Henry Morton Stanley to carve up land for
him around the Congo River – this became known as the Congo Free State and was his own colony to do what
he wanted with. This proved to others that people could get very rich from resources in Africa. Leopold’s sole
aim was to make money from rubber and ivory – life for the Congolese was brutal – his private police force,
the Force Publique, killed up to 10 million. He was eventually forced to hand over the colony to the Belgian
government in 1908 after reports of the cruelty emerged. 

This also links to another reason, which was the abolishment of Slavery. Much of Europe’s early involvement
with Africa was to do with the slave trade. Ships sailed to the coast of Africa collecting humans as slaves and
transporting them to America where they would be sold and used as cotton pickers. However, by 1871 slavery
had been abolished and resulted in a decline in huge profits for major European countries. This resulted in
these countries and businessmen wanting another form of profit with Africa therefore resulting in the
scramble for Africa. 

Additionally, another reason, although not as important as the other two was the fact that by 1871, the
borders of European countries had been set – only war could change these and no-one really wanted war.
Africa allowed European countries to expand their wealth, power, prestige and influence. Making this the only
way for an increase in strength and power. This links to the second reason for European powers always
wanting more and wanting another form of growing after slavery was abolished. 
Overall, it was clear that the scramble for Africa was a complex situation driven by several factors it is evident
that medical advancements was the main factor for this. 

“The industrial revolution was the main reason for the Scramble of Africa”. To what extent do you agree? [20]

In 1871, only 10% of the African continent was under European control. By 1900, only Ethiopia and Liberia
were NOT under European control. In thirty years, European countries had taken control of almost all of
Africa. This movement is known as ‘The Scramble for Africa’ or ‘New Imperialism’.
I strongly agree with this statement that the Industrial revolution was the main reason for the scramble of
Africa.

Europe had been though the Industrial Revolution (roughly 1750-1850) where the way things were made
changed radically. There were no longer 'cottage industries' where people made one or two items a day in
their own home, but now a 'factory system' where hundreds of people worked in a factory producing things
on a larger scale.  
The rapid increase in manufactured goods linked with the European Industrial Revolution created the need for
more raw materials, new markets, and greater investment opportunities. In Africa, explorers located vast
reserves of raw materials, plotted trade routes, and identified population centers that could provide a market
for European goods. The industrial revolution therefore created a huge demand for resources such as cotton
and rubber – which could not be found in Europe so people looked to Africa, certainly after the invention of
quinine, which allowed more exploration of Africa. Previously, Europeans had only set up trading posts on the
African coast. 
Furthermore, developments in railways and steamships, caused by the industrial revolution, made travel both
safer and quicker. Ships were able to easily navigate rivers and offer easier access to African interior.
 
On the other hand, many may also believe that the main reason for the Scramble for Africa was not solely the
Industrial revolution and that various other factors were involved too; such as medical and explorational
advancements. During 18th century Malaria and other diseases were high in Africa. 1817 – French medicine
Quinine proved effective against malaria. As fear of dying to such diseases reduced, more and more people
started venturing Africa. Explorers were financed by businessmen keen to find new resources. 
Most famous – Henry Stanley, Hired by King of Belgium Leopold II, to secure treaties with local chiefs along the
Congo River 

Another factor which many believe was significant was the sense of duty that the Europeans felt they had.
Many Europeans believed that they had a duty to bring order, stability and Christianity to the lives of Africans
– Due to their 'racial superiority'. E.g. missionary-explorer David Livingstone said it was essential to introduce
Africans to the 3C's – Commerce, Christianity, Civilization. The claim that European nations were taking over
Africa in order to improves African lives gave a convenient justification for actions that would actually benefit
the Europeans. Famous authors such as Rudyard Kipling strongly inferred to Africa as the ‘white man’s
burden’.

Overall, and in conclusion I strongly agree with this statement. The industrial revolution was the main reason
for the scramble of Africa because it was the main factor that gave aid to most of the other factors. Despite
the fact that the industrial revolution had a direct incentive to gain resources and establish markets in Africa; it
also indirectly helped most of the other factors. Businessmen from the industrial revolution such as Samuel
Crompton funded transportation and explorational advancements. Furthermore, even king Leopold II financed
Stanley to exploit the ivory and rubber which could be used in the industrial revolution.
Kruger Telegram = 1896
A telegram sent by the German Kaiser to Kruger. Congratulating him on fighting off the Jameson raid.
Criticized due to potential conflict and newly created tensions between the British violence in London towards
German shops and sailors.
The telegram was interpreted as the Kaiser encouraging Transvaal’s independence, and a reference about help
from friendly powers”. Implied his willingness to help defeat British powers.

Fashoda crisis = 1898

In 1881 the Mahdi and Sudanese Sheik defeated an Anglo-Egyptian force in Sudan and took control.
Thereafter he took the opportunity to attack the Italians who had just been defeated at the battle of Adwa in
1881. Britain moved their troops to Sudan to help Italy after they constantly plead for help. The French saw
this as Britain trying to recapture Sudan. Lord Salisbury ordered general Kitchener to retake Sudan and strop
the French from doing so. The general’s troops defeated Mahdi forces at the battle of Omdurman 1898.
Meanwhile French troops led by Marchena had reached Sudan and raised the French flag. The British general
ordered gunboats to sail down and challenge him. War between France and Britain became a real possibility.
A diplomatic solution was found in Europe. France had no support from European powers and had to
surrender Sudan to Britain.

The German Naval Law = 1898

Caprivi had replaced Bismarck as chancellor and engaged in the so called ‘New course Weltpolitik’. The need
for navy’s and colonies. Von Tripitz with the Kaisers support passed two naval laws in 1898 and 1900 which
built the German navy to the size of Britain’s.

Anglo-Japanese alliance = 1902

Britain was concerned by the reaction of European powers to its involvement in the Boer wars And the threat
of the German Navy. This led Britain to depart from its isolationist policies an look towards forming alliances
with other countries. The Anglo Japanese alliance of 1902 was the first example of this. This offered some
protection to British possessions in the far east in the event of war. Britain recognize Japan’s rights in Korea.
This treaty marked the end of Britans isolationism. if the country faced 2 or more opponents The other
country would come in to give aid. They would both remain neutral if either country was involved in war

Entante cordiale = 1904

Britain and France fearful of Germany 's weltpolitic and naval growth signed of friendly agreement Settling
Imperial rivalries: for example, France would be allowed Morocco.

First Moroccan crisis (Tangiers) = 1905

In March of 1905 Kaiser Wilhelm II made an aggressive speech in tangiers saying he would like to see an
independent Morocco; this was possibly meant to turn Britain and France against each other. However, Britain
backed Frances claims to Morocco

Algeciras Conference = 1906

France and Germany and Russia forced Germany to promise to stay out of morocco. Germany felt humiliated.
In 1907 Britain and Russia alarmed by German ambitions made an entante. Algeciras convinced Germany the
other countries were ganging up on Germany

Second Moroccan Crisis (Agadir) = 1911

In March 1911 there was a rebellion in northern Morocco. The French sent an army to defend Morocco, which
angered the Germans. On June 1911 the Germans announced they needed to protect German citizens in
southern Morocco even though they were none. On July 1911 the Kaiser sent the gunship the Panther to
Agadir it rescued one German civilian.

The Jameson Raid = December 1895

An ineffective attempt to overthrow President Paul Kruger of the Transvaal Republic. It was intended to spark
an uprising by the British Expat workers also in Transvaal. They were expected to recruit and prepare an army
for a takeover.
It was ineffective, the uprising didn’t take place.
The discovery of Gold in 1884 made Transvaal the richest and most powerful nation/area in southern Africa. It
attracted many foreigners, approx. 60,000 in 1896. This quickly outnumbered the Boers (30,000 Males).
Fearful that Transvaal would lose its independence and become a British colony, the government-imposed
policies of protectionism and exclusion.
- Outsiders couldn’t vote
- Mining of gold was heavily taxed
Ultimately the outlanders (foreigners) were not supportive and refused to revolt.
The Boers blocked the road to Johannesburg and defended the road “skirmish” – Artillery was set up at
Doorknop by Jameson and group fired a few rounds before surrendering.

The Berlin Conference = 1885

AKA the congo conference
Regulated European colonization and trade in Africa – This can be seen as the formalization of the scramble
for Africa. Henry Morton Stanley joined King Leopold II’s research and civilization of the continent. He charted
out the congo river basin. This increased competition between Portugal and Belgium. To soothe tensions, this
conference was called.
From this conference the idea of effective occupation was created

Effective occupation
It stated that countries could get rights to a piece of colonial land if they
- possessed it or had effective occupation
- If they had signed treaties with the local chiefs and hoisted their flag there as well as a system of government
and a police force.
The French wanted Niger  Nile
The British (Rhodes) wanted Cape  Cairo
Unable to both accomplish their dream.
The scramble sped up after the conference. European powers were able to take control of more land – under
the principle of Effectivity. Traditional leaders were forced to sign treaties. They resorted to violence and
weaponry if needed.

The Second Boer War = 1899 – 1902

Between the British and the two Boer states.
War stretched on with Boer guerilla warfare until harsh British measures brought it to halt. The British started
off very overconfident and under prepared. Whereas the Boers were well armed and hit first.
The British fought back with large armies of soldiers. The 2 Boer republics were invaded in late 1900. Civilian
leadership was either exiled or went into hiding; allowing British free region to The Orange Free state and
Transvaal.
Guerilla warfare – this led to Boers being rounded up and laced into concentration camps = many of which
died to disease or the lack of immunity.
Eventually the war ended in a surrender
The treaty of Berlin 1884-1885
 Organized by Bismark
 13 countries met in Berlin (Nov 1884 – Feb 1885)
They formalized the borders of Africa
Free passage on Niger and Congo rivers
Slavery to be abolished
 Principle of effective occupation is set up – countries had to prove they had settlements in a territory: they
couldn’t simply ‘claim’ a territory.

Why was the treaty of Berlin to be signed?

 The treaty of Berlin was signed to prevent conflict between nations
 Slavery was to be abolished to make it seem that Africans also had something to gain.

What was the 1898 Fashoda Crisis? How is it an example of European tensions caused by imperialism?
This is an example of European tensions caused by imperialism, as Britain and France almost went to war with
each other in order to gain control of Sudan and in-turn control Suez Canal.

Fashoda Crisis
 In aim to control the Suez Canal, the British had to control the Nile. Hence why they needed to have control
over both Egypt and Sudan
 In 1981 Mahdi, Sudanese Sheik Muhammad Ahmad defeated an Anglo-Egyptian force in Sudan and took
control
 The Italians were simultaneously defeated in the battle of Adwa by Abyssinian troops in 1881. Mahdi
therefore took the chance to attack the Italians too.
 Britain moves troops to Sudan to help Italy (after they constantly plead for help), however France saw this
as the British trying to recapture Sudan.
 Lord Salisbury (British PM) Ordered general Kitchener to retake Sudan; to stop the French being able to
control Sudan. He also suggested building a dam to control all of Egypt’s water supply
Kitchener and his troops destroyed Mahdi forces at the battle of Omdurman in 1898.
French troops led by Marchand had already reached Sudan and raised the French flag.
Kitchener immediately ordered gunboats to sail down the Nile to challenge Marchand; and war between
France and Britain over Sudan was a real possibility.
a diplomatic solution was found and war was avoided as France had no support from European powers and
had to accept British control over Sudan.