Essay 5

The partition of Africa accelerated in the late nineteenth century, but it was actually gradual process that began in the fifteenth century. Europeans faced many obstacles in their attempt to conquer Africa, such as geography, climate, and disease. African resistance was also played an important role in impeding European encroachment. Europe was for the most part content with their position on the coast of the continent. The partition of Africa represents a determined effort by Europe to exploit the continent for their financial and nationalistic goals.

Portugal and Spain first established trading posts on the coast of Africa in the fifteenth century. The conditions of Africa hindered further exploration of the interior by foreign countries (McKenzie, 11). Disease contributed to the vast majority of the problems that Europeans faced. Advancements in medicine in the nineteenth century helped the European nations finally conquer Africa (13). Europe was also able to establish trading routes into the interior of Africa, which allowed the foreign countries to exert influence. The first half of this century was also the era of the explorers. Many explorers were able to penetrate Africa, which lead the way for other countries to follow (13). Europe was finally able to completely partition Africa after hundreds of years of contact.

African resistance also contributed to Europe’s failures in conquering the continent. For example, the great leader Samori Touré kept France from controlling West Africa for seventeen years (Vandervort, 126). Samori was admired by the French for leadership in politics and the military. One of the most important reasons for his success was his ability to unify his people under outside pressure from the French. This prevented the French from gaining power through alliances with other powerful individuals in Africa (129). His military prowess even was able to prolong France’s advancements (128). Samori’s empire was eventually defeated by the French, which completely opened up West Africa. He represents one of the biggest obstacles that the French had to overcome on the continent.
The capabilities of Europe had to catch up with their ambitions before they could finish the partition of Africa. Europe had to overcome disease and African resistance, which took many years to complete. The end of the partition did not take long, which may give the appearance of a spontaneous happening, but this is not true. Europe had to take many years to reach the point were they could finally rule over Africa.