MC_A Concise History of Africa

Colonialism

abroad and developing markets. In general, the British did not see their rule as permanent, having established schools and colleges in their colonies long before they considered doing the same in Britain. This resulted in colonial cities having educated elites, who soon began challenging for power. Although they were interested in the Suez Canal, and the gold and diamonds in South Africa, the rest of Africa was not a British priority. Nervous about the control of Suez, which was vital in their trade with India and the East, they took control of Egypt in 1882. The Union of South Africa emerged in 1910, and Cecil Rhodes dreamt of ruling from the LEFT: Illustration of a convoy of ships sailing through Suez Canal. Published in L'Illustration, Journal Universel, Paris,1868. BELOW: Shipping passing through modern the modern-day Suez Canal. OPPOSITE: Cecil John Rhodes was a British businessman, mining magnate, and politician in South Africa, who served as prime minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. An ardent believer in British imperialism, Rhodes and his British South Africa Company founded the southern African territory of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia). OPPOSITE BELOW: Cullinan Diamond Mine in South Africa is famous for The Cullinan Diamond, mined in 1905. It is the largest, rough, gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3106.75 carats (621.350g).

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