The Age of Imperialism was a time of great wealth in the mother countries. European countries went everywhere to find places to conquer in order to get their natural resources and raw materials. The increase in colonies led to an increase in nationalism, wealth, and power. One of the key places that European wanted between 1880 and 1914 was Africa. In 1878, Africa was basically free except for some parts of south, which were controlled by Britain, and some Portuguese. By 1914, almost the entire continent was controlled by a European nation. Almost all Europeans had a good attitude toward the European acquisition of African countries because it increased nationalism, wealth, and power, however, some disagreed with it because they felt that there were problems in Europe that needed to be dealt with. Between 1880 and 1914, Africa was a great place to acquire colonies if necessary. Almost everyone in Europe was very supportive of this movement. Prince Leopold of Belgium was for this movement because he said that colonies are very useful in that they help the mother country gain wealth, natural resources, and power. (Doc. 1) He also believes that it is a great way to prove to everyone that Belgians are imperial people capable of dominating and enlightening others. Since Prince Leopold was heir to the Belgium throne, he wanted to make sure that his country had the most money and power it could get. Another European who loved the acquisition of African Colonies was Joseph Chamberlain. (Doc. 4) He believed that without the use of colonies, a country couldn’t survive. He believes that the mother country is highly dependent on its colonies raw materials and natural resources and without them half the population would starve. Another proponent to the acquisition of Africa was George Washington Williams of Belgium. (Doc. 6) He believes that not only is it good that they are acquiring land and wealth, but it is very easy to do so.
The Age of Imperialism was a time of great wealth in the mother countries. European countries went everywhere to find places to conquer in order to get their natural resources and raw materials. The increase in colonies led to an increase in nationalism, wealth, and power. One of the key places that European wanted between 1880 and 1914 was Africa. In 1878, Africa was basically free except for some parts of south, which were controlled by Britain, and some Portuguese. By 1914, almost the entire continent was controlled by a European nation. Almost all Europeans had a good attitude toward the European acquisition of African countries because it increased nationalism, wealth, and power, however, some disagreed with it because they felt that there were problems in Europe that needed to be dealt with. Between 1880 and 1914, Africa was a great place to acquire colonies if necessary. Almost everyone in Europe was very supportive of this movement. Prince Leopold of Belgium was for this movement because he said that colonies are very useful in that they help the mother country gain wealth, natural resources, and power. (Doc. 1) He also believes that it is a great way to prove to everyone that Belgians are imperial people capable of dominating and enlightening others. Since Prince Leopold was heir to the Belgium throne, he wanted to make sure that his country had the most money and power it could get. Another European who loved the acquisition of African Colonies was Joseph Chamberlain. (Doc. 4) He believed that without the use of colonies, a country couldn’t survive. He believes that the mother country is highly dependent on its colonies raw materials and natural resources and without them half the population would starve. Another proponent to the acquisition of Africa was George Washington Williams of Belgium. (Doc. 6) He believes that not only is it good that they are acquiring land and wealth, but it is very easy to do so.