Scramble for Africa: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	Partition of Africa
Location	Africa
Participants	Belgium • France • Germany • Italy • Spain • United Kingdom

Photos and Videos

Map of Africa showing the territorial divisions and colonial possessions by European powers from the late 19th to early 20th century. Countries and regions are color-coded to indicate British, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Belgian, and German control, with independent countries and British-Egyptian condominium also marked. The map highlights the extent and timing of colonization, with most of the continent under European rule except for Ethiopia and Liberia.

King of the Zulu

Scramble for Africa: Berlin Conference

Antique map from 1902 showing central Africa with colonial territories labeled as Kamerun, French Kongo, Kongo Free State, Portuguese West Africa, British East Africa, German East Africa, East Africa, and Rhodesia. The map details rivers, cities, and borders of the era, with an inset map of Madagascar in the lower right corner.

Illustration from Le Petit Journal showing King Menelik II in a red cloak and headdress riding a white horse as he surveys Ethiopian troops at the Battle of Adwa.

Battle of Modder River

A collage featuring four colonial-era European figures in military and formal attire, a yellow map of Africa, and a vintage cartoon of imperialism in the background.

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Key People

Leopold II

Leopold II

king of Belgium