Activity Overview
Understanding the struggles of modern Africa requires an in-depth knowledge of the era known as the Scramble for Africa. The impact that Europeans had on the development of African regions they colonized was far-reaching and extremely damaging. In this activity, students will create a timeline that explains how European nations came to dominate Africa by 1914.
The timeline should address issues and subjects like:
- David Livingstone
- The Belgian Congo
- European advantages
- African resistance movements, especially in Ethiopia
- The Berlin Conference
Extension
Students can create an additional timeline that describes the independence movements in Africa in the 1950s and 1960s. A specific focus on the Congo and Patrice Lumumba would provide a good bookend to the story of Imperialism in Africa. This will allow students to have a greater understanding of the effects of imperialism and the actions taken to overcome the damages.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the major events and actions taken during the scramble for Africa.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and actions and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe each event and action in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
Understanding the struggles of modern Africa requires an in-depth knowledge of the era known as the Scramble for Africa. The impact that Europeans had on the development of African regions they colonized was far-reaching and extremely damaging. In this activity, students will create a timeline that explains how European nations came to dominate Africa by 1914.
The timeline should address issues and subjects like:
- David Livingstone
- The Belgian Congo
- European advantages
- African resistance movements, especially in Ethiopia
- The Berlin Conference
Extension
Students can create an additional timeline that describes the independence movements in Africa in the 1950s and 1960s. A specific focus on the Congo and Patrice Lumumba would provide a good bookend to the story of Imperialism in Africa. This will allow students to have a greater understanding of the effects of imperialism and the actions taken to overcome the damages.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the major events and actions taken during the scramble for Africa.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and actions and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe each event and action in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Imperialism: The Scramble for Africa
Engage students with a debate on imperialism's impacts
Debates encourage students to think critically and explore multiple perspectives about imperialism in Africa. This strategy helps students practice respectful discourse while gaining a deeper understanding of historical consequences.
Select engaging debate topics related to the Scramble for Africa
Pick provocative statements such as “European imperialism brought more harm than good to Africa” or “African resistance was ultimately successful.” These topics spark discussion and require students to analyze evidence from their timelines.
Assign roles and prepare arguments
Divide students into pro and con teams, or assign specific historical figures to represent. Give each group time to gather evidence from class materials and timelines to support their position.
Guide the debate and set clear rules
Establish ground rules for respectful discussion, time limits, and organized turns. Moderate the debate, ensuring everyone participates and stays on topic.
Reflect and connect debate insights to timeline learning
Facilitate a class discussion after the debate. Ask students to share what they learned, how their views changed, and how the debate connects to their timeline research. This reinforces critical thinking and historical understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Imperialism: The Scramble for Africa
What was the Scramble for Africa and why did it happen?
The Scramble for Africa refers to the rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territory by European powers between the 1880s and 1914. Driven by economic interests, competition for resources, and a desire for global influence, European nations raced to claim as much African land as possible.
How can I teach students about the major events of the Scramble for Africa using a timeline?
To teach students about the Scramble for Africa, have them create a timeline highlighting key events such as the Berlin Conference, the role of David Livingstone, the colonization of the Belgian Congo, European advantages, and African resistance. Encourage them to add descriptions and illustrations to deepen understanding.
What were some major African resistance movements during the Scramble for Africa?
African resistance movements included efforts like Ethiopia's successful defeat of Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa and numerous uprisings across the continent. These movements showed the determination of Africans to resist European domination.
What impact did the Berlin Conference have on Africa?
The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) set rules for the division of Africa among European powers, disregarding African borders and interests. This led to the arbitrary creation of new boundaries, causing long-term social and political problems for African nations.
How did imperialism in Africa lead to independence movements in the 20th century?
Imperialism's exploitation and oppression fueled independence movements in Africa during the 1950s and 1960s. Leaders like Patrice Lumumba in Congo inspired efforts to end colonial rule and reclaim sovereignty.
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