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European Trade with Africa becomes well established
Before, Europeans had trouble establishing trade with Africa due to diseases and lack of the right form of transportation, but then they got the steam ship so they could navigate rivers, and a vaccination for malaria. Africa had resources that they couldn't find in Europe and the Africans were a good option for labor. -
East India Company collapses due to Sepoy rebellion; British Raj begins
The East India Company had hired Indian soldiers, called Sepoys. An untrue rumor spread through the soldiers that their cartridges were made out of pork and beef, and it is against their religions to eat either of those meats. So, the sepoys rebelled and were jailed. The British, mainly Queen Victoria, then started a period of direct command called the Raj. -
Suez Canal links Mediterranean and Red Seas
An Egyptian ruler, Isma'il, had done a lot of expensive projects within Egypt, despite not having the money, one of those being the Suez Canal. He started the construction, but was unable to finish so the French financed it. However, they still used Egyptian labor. Eventually the French couldn't pay for it either so the British took over and had control of the canal for the next hundred years. -
Berlin Conference Convenes to discuss terms for Africa colonization
As interest in Africa increased, Europe's leaders decided they needed to set up rules for colonization. All of the leaders met in Berlin to discuss how to carve up Africa, where to draw boundaries, and who gets which pieces of land. Everyone was present except for leaders of Africa. -
Queen Liliuokalani takes throne of Hawaii
Queen Liluokalani came to power after her brother, Kalakua. She wanted to keep foreigners from living on her island and was about to draft a new constitution when the United States took over. They took over Hawaii mainly for economic reasons and they didn't have any tropical lands. -
Ethiopians defeat the invading Italians in the Battle of Adwa
Ethiopia was the only country out of Africa to remain free, and that was primarily due to their brilliant leader Menelik II. He modernized the country and most importantly modernized the military. He strategically played the Europeans against each other to his advantage. And, when he was going to sign a treaty with the Italians he noticed a difference in the translations and declared war on them, a war in which he won. -
Spanish-American war breaks out; Puerto Rico, Spain, and the Philippines are taken away from Spain
The Spanish-American war was, of course, between Spain and the United States. This is the main turning point for Spain as it loses a great deal of power when they lose the war. The United States gain the territories of Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and parts of Spain. -
Boer War in South Africa
The Boers, also known as Afrikaners, were Dutch farmers in South Africa. As the British started invading South Africa, the Boers moved north in what is called the Great Trek. But, then they ran into the Zulus and a war started. The Boers were also at war with the British and they were put in concentration camps. The British won. -
Most of Africa is under European control
With an exception to Ethiopia, all of Africa was under European control. Countries like Belgium, Germany, Britain, France, and Spain all had colonies in Africa. Belgium primarily used its colonies to get resources to make goods. Britain found gold and diamonds in South Africa. Monrovia was also not under European control, but it was given to the Africans by US President James Monroe.
