What made European countries scramble for Africa?
The scramble for Africa occured during the height of the European Imperealism. Not only did the untapped resources of the continenent offer gold, diamonds and oil ( and more) as well as the possibilty of colonisation, it also meant more influence and prestrige for that country. Britain and France took the largest portions of lands, followed by Holland, Beligium and other smaller European nations. Germany, established in 1871, gained few colonial possessions in Africa, and as a result held little sway in global affairs. Another reason for the scramble was the belief that the nations of Europe were duty bound to spread Western Civilisation throughout the world.
