African Resistance to Imperialism

Across the African continent, Africans resisted (tried to stop) European attempts to
colonize their lands. However, the contest (battle) between African states and European
powers was never equal because of the Europeans superior (better) military technology.
The Europeans were able to patrol (control) the outer edges of the African continent with
strong navies. While many Africans didnt even have boats in the 1800s, the ones that
did have boats were made of wood and moved by the wind. On the contrast, European
boats were made of steel and used the power of steam to fuel the ship. Africans were
very disorganized in fighting back the European powers. Many Africans had very little
military training, and were often disorganized
due to quarrels (arguments) amongst
themselves. Poor leaders also led the African
armies, and the soldiers fought with very little
clothes, armor, or protection. African soldiers
lacked (didnt have) an education, literacy
skills (know how to read & write), and
medicine. They were also often unfed,
malnutrition (not healthy), and dehydrated.
They also fought with spears, rocks, animal
bones, and old bronze swords. The only guns
Africans had were from dead European soldiers, or guns that were stolen by African
natives. Another reason for African difficulties in war was due to African belief in
magic. In 1905, the belief suddenly arose that magic water called maji-maji
sprinkled on dead bodies would turn the European bullets in dead bodies into water. The
water would then revive the dead person, and the dead person would return to life to
assist in the African fight against Europeans. However, when the African fighters,
protected by the maji-maji water, attacked the German soldiers in Africa, the German
Maxim Gun killed the African soldiers within seconds. The African fight using magic
failed.
1) Could the Africans have resisted European imperialism? Why or why not? (Provide at
least 3 reasons) Make sure your answer is in a complete sentence.

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The British and the rest of European nations
were highly more advanced then the African
armies. The European armies were led by
generals who had military training, and
experience in warfare. European military
soldiers were very well trained, organized,
fed, and had doctors who specialized in
advanced medicine. European armies used
modern technology, such as iron and steel
armor and swords, as well as guns. The
Europeans were especially powerful when
using the newly developed Maxim Gun,
which shot over 20 bullets in ten seconds. Some experts claim the Maxim Gun was
responsible for over 450,000 African deaths in the 1880s.
2) How did the Europeans differ from the Africans in warfare? Could the Africans stand
a chance? Why or why not?

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Most Africans failed in their attempt to free themselves from imperialist Europeans.
However, one area in Africa succeeded in freeing themselves from European control. In
Ethiopia, King Menelik II in 1889 instigated fighting between the European powers. He
played Italians, French, and British against each other, all of which wanted to make
Ethiopia a colony. While the European powers clashed (fought) with each other,
Menelik bought modern weapons from the Russians and Germans. Menelik also paid
Africans to steal weapons from the Europeans, and deliver them to him. By 1896,
Menelik and Ethiopia had riffles, armor, and the Maxim Gun. He used European
technology against the Europeans, and forced Britain and Italy to recognize Ethiopia as a
free, independent country. By 1897, Ethiopia was the only independent nation in Africa.
Part 2 Answer the following question in a response of at least EIGHT
SENTENCES. Be sure to answer ALL PARTS of the question.
1) Could the Africans have resisted European imperialism? Why or why
not. Be sure to provide at least THREE PIECES OF EVIDENCE, and
explain WHY or WHY NOT in your answer. If they couldnt, what do
the Africans need to do to resist imperialism?
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Part 3 Turn the page. Choose the best answer for each of the
following questions.
Extra Credit Only if you finished Parts 1-3 - Answer one or all
questions below for EXTRA CREDIT. Use the bottom of the last page
for space, or draw an arrow so I know you wrote on the back of this
paper.
1) Some people argue the Maxim Gun was the key to European
success in imperializing Africa. Do you agree with this statement? Why
or why not? Back up your argument with examples and proof.
2) Which country in Africa was successful in resisting European rule?
Why were they so successful?
3) Complete the matching column below by placing the letter from
column B that matches the term or phrase in column A on the line

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1) Maxim Gun___________
independent African nation

A) Only

2) Menelik II______________
Europeans

B)

3) Ethiopia _____________
Africans

C)

4) Maji-maji _____________
Fast firing weapon

D)

5) Better weapons, armor, ships, education _____________

E) King of Ethiopia
6) No military training, weak weapons, belief in magic _____________
F) Magic Water
7) Imperialism _____________
weaker nations

G) Strong nation dominating