Question

Considering Motives Scholars have sometimes argued that the scramble for Africa was driven less by concrete economic interests than by emotional, even romantic, notions of national grandeur and personal adventure. In what ways do these sources support or challenge this interpretation?

Answer 1

Supporting the Idea:

- People who explored Africa often wrote about their exciting adventures and the thrill of discovering new places.

- European countries were really proud of their own greatness and saw colonizing Africa as a way to show off their power.

- Some stories, art, and pictures made colonizing Africa seem like a brave and heroic thing to do.

- Governments and explorers used stories to get people excited about colonizing Africa.

Challenging the Idea:

- Even though adventure was part of it, getting valuable resources from Africa and making money was a big reason too.

- Countries wanted to control important places and trade routes, which was like a game of strategy.

- After taking over, the way the colonizers treated African countries was focused on making money and using their resources.

- Some countries said they were helping Africa, but it was often more about feeling superior, not just adventure.

In short, while excitement and pride played a role, making money, political competition, and practical reasons were also really important. Different people and countries had different reasons for getting involved in Africa.

Answer 2

Both economic interests and noneconomic motives likely played a role in the European scramble for Africa in the late 19th century. Some key points to consider:

• The sources do indicate some strong economic interests, particularly for the French and British. They sought access to natural resources like minerals, oil, and agricultural goods. They also wanted access to African markets for their own manufactured goods. The establishment of colonies provided political control to support these economic goals.

• However, the sources also suggest noneconomic motives. European leaders spoke of the "white man's burden" and civilizing mission in Africa. There was a sense of national prestige and glory associated with acquiring colonial possessions.

• For many explorers and adventurers, the attraction was the thrill of exploration and discovery in uncharted lands. Personal fame and fortune were potential rewards.

• Religious and humanitarian justifications were also invoked to some degree, though they were often mixed with economic and strategic interests.

• Overall, economic motives were likely a primary driver, but they were intertwined with and reinforced by noneconomic ambitions. National prestige, personal adventure, and notions of racial and cultural superiority all helped provide justification and popular support for the colonial endeavor.

So in summary, while economic interests formed an important part of the scramble for Africa, the sources also suggest that desires for national glory, personal adventure, and fulfillment of a perceived civilizing mission also played important roles in driving European imperial expansion on the continent. It was likely a combination of concrete interests and romantic notions that propelled the colonial "scramble."