Factors Of Colonialism During The Age Of Imperialism In Africa

During the age of imperialism rulers across the world were attempting to conquer more and more of Africa. This led to turmoil and tension between the nations along with creating competition for more territory. These conquered parts of other nations are called spheres of influence and allow for nations to extend their control into more places, effectively giving them more power and sway. African colonies were also regarded with intrigue by nations due to the opportunities given for a chance to trade with more places and prove to other nations how they are capable of dominating land just as well. Among those who supported conquering parts of Africa in the name of power was Prince Leopold of Belgium, who decided that attempting to take control of other European nations was futile but Africa held the possibility for more trade and more power. He reinforced his argument for imperialism by explaining how technology had advanced to the point that distance meant nothing in the face of collecting power. He expressed these ideas in a conversation, therefore one might be
Benjamin Disraeli, the British prime minister, saw buying the Suez Canal as a move for more political power rather than wealth. He may have seen it as such because the canal was a major choke point where other nations would passing through their territory thus giving the British full power over them while they were passing through the canal. THey would be able to impose a tax on ships or goods, allowing them to gain a lot of power politically and economically. He stated this in a speech to the House of Commons, a group of people in parliament who have input on major political decisions and he makes certain to mention political growth because giving more power to England would give more power to the House of Commons. This document fully supports the fact that political power over other countries was a definite motivator for expansion (doc