History Essay on Imperial Actions of Europe in Africa

One way that people should remember Europe is for their selfish and greedy actions while imperializing Africa. Europe wanted to make sure that it was clear that everyone saw them as powerful, growing, and superior. As Prince Leopold stated in Document 2, he wanted to prove to the world that Belgians are capable of ruling over others, along with teaching them. This shows that Prince Leopold had high confidence and high hopes for the future or Britain. He also wanted to convince others to become pro imperialists by showing off his country. Additionally, as Archibald Phillip Primrose stated in Document 5, it is important to have an imperial race, and people that are strong and smart. Britain thought of themselves as the higher race, which gave Europe confidence, but brought the confidence of other countries down. Others countries aspired to be like Europe, which made it much easier to take over many other countries. Nevertheless, people should remember Europe for their confidence and strength that eventually put themselves above others. 

Secondly, Europe should be remembered for wanting to help and strengthen other countries, especially through the white man's burden. In Document 4, Joseph Chamberlain discusses how Britain has already gone through many difficulties, and wants to help the other countries in need. Britain believed that other countries were not as good as theirs, and that they could help the world by expanding Britain. The belief that other countries were not as good as theirs, and that others needed their help was also known as the white man’s burden. Additionally, the white mans burden is shown more in Document 1, where European colonial claims took over much of Africa. In 1876, mostly all of Africa was independent, with a small bit of British, French, and Portuguese land. Only 36 years later, in 1914, nearly all of Africa was taken over by other countries. The British had most of the eastern part of Africa, while the French had most of the northwestern. The rest of Africa was scattered with other countries such as Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Belgium, and German. With all these colonial claims, there is barely any independent land of Africa. This shows that Europe really exemplified the white man's burden because they felt Africa was uncivilized and needed help.