Map Of Africa In 1939 – A Historical Overview

Key Takeaways

• The map of Africa in 1939 provides a glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the continent during a significant period in history.
• This map highlights the colonial powers that controlled various regions of Africa at that time.
• It serves as a valuable resource to understand historical boundaries, names, and territories of African countries.

History

The map of Africa in 1939 represents a crucial era in the continent’s history. During this time, most of Africa was colonized by European powers, and borders were drawn arbitrarily, often disregarding ethnic groups and cultural boundaries.

At the beginning of 1939, Britain held significant control over various regions in Africa, including Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, and British East Africa (present-day Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania). France had colonies in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and French Equatorial Africa (which included Chad, Gabon, and French Congo).

Belgium had control over the Belgian Congo (currently the Democratic Republic of the Congo), while Italy occupied Italian East Africa (Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland). Portugal had colonies in Mozambique and Angola, and Spain possessed Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) and Spanish Morocco.

South Africa was under British control, while Liberia remained independent, being one of the few African countries not colonized.

Unique Insights

• The division of Africa among European powers during this time was motivated by economic interests, such as access to resources and trade routes.
• The map highlights the impact of the Scramble for Africa, which refers to the intense colonization and annexation of African territories by European powers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• It is important to note that the borders depicted on the 1939 map do not accurately represent the cultural, linguistic, and ethnic divisions within the African continent. Many of these borders were later redrawn after African nations gained independence.

Table: Relevant Historical Facts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why were European powers interested in colonizing Africa?

European powers sought to exploit Africa’s natural resources, establish trade networks, and exert control over strategic regions to enhance their global influence and wealth.

2. How did the Scramble for Africa impact the continent?

The Scramble for Africa resulted in the exploitation of resources, forced labor, loss of indigenous cultures, and the creation of artificial borders that often caused conflicts and tensions among ethnic groups.

3. Which countries were colonized in Africa in 1939?

By 1939, a significant part of Africa was colonized by European powers, including Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, and Spain.

4. Were there any independent African nations in 1939?

Yes, Liberia remained independent during this time. It was one of the few African countries that were not colonized by European powers.

5. How did the borders of African countries change after independence?

After gaining independence, many African countries experienced border disputes and eventually underwent border changes, leading to the current African political map as we know it today.

6. What happened to the European colonies in Africa?

Throughout the 20th century, African nations gradually gained independence from their European colonizers. This process is known as decolonization.

7. How can this map be used for historical research?

The map of Africa in 1939 is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in studying the colonial period, political boundaries, and the impact of colonization on the continent.

External Links

• Scramble for Africa – Wikipedia
• The Scramble for Africa – Britannica
• Colonialism – Britannica
• The Scramble for Africa – History.com

List of LSI Keywords

• Map of Africa 1939
• Africa in 1939
• African colonial powers
• European colonization of Africa
• Scramble for Africa
• Historical boundaries in Africa
• Geopolitical landscape of Africa
• Colonial Africa
• Africa’s colonial legacy
• Africa’s independence
• Decolonization in Africa