European Imperialism in Africa Before WWI
Imperialism and the Road to World War I
Before 1914, the nations of Europe were involved in a race to obtain overseas colonies all over the world, mainly in Africa. This did not help international relations in this period. Africa was the territory where the struggle took place. The map of Africa changed over a short period of time. All these tensions are behind the outbreak of World War I.
- Britain had the most valuable lands in Africa. Egypt was very important because of the Suez Canal but also because it was part of the route to India, the precious British colony, which played a significant role in the British Empire.
- France had a large colonial empire in Africa, mainly in the Northwest, where there were several disputes with Britain, which led to bad feelings between the two powers.
- Germany entered the race late, and the lands obtained were small and not very valuable. However, Germany was determined to build an empire like France and Britain had.
- Other European countries were also in the race: Italy gained some colonies in the north but failed in Abyssinia and faced the opposition of France to its expansion. Belgium managed to get a huge piece of the heart of Africa, the Belgian Congo.
The Entente Cordiale and Rising Tensions
At the end of the 19th century, Britain and France began to argue about African colonies. Egypt and Morocco were the hot spots because of their strategic locations. But in 1904, the “Entente Cordiale” between the two countries resolved the disputes. Britain retained control of Egypt, and France kept Morocco. Germany did not like this friendly understanding between the two powers. Germany wanted territory in Morocco, and this led to international tension. Britain suggested the possibility of a war if Germany did not drop their claims. Although the crisis passed, international relations would never recover from this crisis. War became more likely in European minds.
The Impact of Imperialism
By 1900, the British Empire extended over five continents, and France had control of large areas of Africa. After the Industrial Revolution, European countries needed new markets. The amount of lands controlled by Britain and France increased the rivalry with Germany, who had entered the race for new colonies late and only had small pieces of land in Africa.
Life in the Trenches During World War I
Millions of rats infested the trenches. Brown rats were especially feared because they could grow to the size of a cat. Lice were another problem. They caused Trench fever, a painful disease that began suddenly with severe pain followed by high fever.
Trench Foot was another medical condition peculiar to trench life. It was a fungal infection of the feet caused by cold, wet, and dirty trench conditions. It could turn gangrenous, and soldiers could lose their foot.
In addition to all of these things, the environment where soldiers lived was filthy, full of pieces of guns, bullets, overflowing latrines… Add the smell of poison gas, and it became a disgusting atmosphere.
Death was always present for those serving in the front line, even when there was no attack. Constant fire directed by the enemy killed soldiers. Diseases contributed too.