Colonization of Africa and The Berlin Conference of 1884
Students will understand the role colonial expansion throughout the world played in the development of European nations.
Lesson Partners: PBS LearningMedia, South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Center for Civil Rights History and Research
Essential Question
How does the Berlin Conference correlate to the events seen in Africa and the world today?
Grade(s):
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
SMARTBoard, iPads, Chromebook, or computer/ with internet access
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Lesson Progression
Day 1:.Students will be introduced to videos explaining European Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa.
Video 1: John Green Imperialism Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alJaltUmrGo14 mins
Video 2: Scramble For Africa and the Berlin Conference of 1884 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DduN1cU2p9U3 Mins.
Students will be introduced to key terms and concepts regarding the Vietnam War
Berlin Conference of 1884 Colonization Imperialism Sphere of Influence Ethiopia Liberia Steam Engine World War I Indirect Rule
Students will break into groups of 2-3 and read an overview of the Scramble for Africa from Historycrunch.com. Students will use Cornell Notes to identify key terms and analyze key causes and events of the Scramble for Africa and the Berlin Conference of 1884.
Day 2:
Students will complete three activities analyzing political cartoons and maps of the continent of Africa to enhance and reinforce key concepts seen in the video and read in the article the previous day.
Activity 1
1. According to the cartoon, which European countries were fighting for a position in Africa?
2. How did the Berlin Conference lead to the situation shown in this cartoon?
3. According to the Colonization of Africa map above, which colonial power had control over the most countries in Africa?
4. According to the Colonization of Africa map above, which colonial power had control over the least amount of countries in Africa?
Activity 2
Students will use the CIA World Factbook site to locate and learn about their individual African country and provide answers to the following information below:
CIA World Factbook Link https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/references/guide-to-country-profiles/#geography
- Empire of control
- Date of Independence
- Official Language
Activity 3
Imperial Decisions
Select your own African country to build and maintain. In addition to this, give information about your country's area of influence. In an explanation of no less than 2 paragraphs, tell of your county’s name, resources, and world influences. In addition to this tell of what provisions you will make in regards to competing empires and governments. Your information needs to be clear and detailed and in paragraph form. You may use your video links, Cornell Notes and information collected from the CIA World Factbook website to support your evidence. The activity is designed for groups or individuals as well.
Examples: Libya, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo
Resources
John Green Crash Course: Imperialism
Assessments
Students will be assessed based on their writing assignment as a summative way to clarify what they learned during their assignment.
Lesson Created By: Dr. Benjamin Washington
History.com Imperialism and Causes of World War I
This link gives an overview of the Berlin Conference as well as its impact on the beginning on World War I
View ResourceHistorycrunch.com Scramble For Africa Overview
This link gives a detailed account of causes and events surrounding the Scramble for Africa and the Berlin Conference
View ResourceJohn Green Video: Imperilaism
This 14 minute video explores the causes and consequences of 19th century Imperialism. Topics include imperialism and colonization in Africa and Asia and the increase of European spheres of Influence.
View ResourceAssessments
Students will be assessed based on their writing assignment as a summative way to clarify what they learned during their assignment.