European colonization of Africa began in the late 15th century and continued into the late 19th century. Key events included Portugal helping Ethiopia fight Arab invaders in 1542; Britain beginning the slave trade in Africa in 1562; Angola becoming a Portuguese colony in 1570; Holland and France becoming involved in the slave trade in the 17th century; and Britain, France, Portugal, and other European powers establishing colonies, trading posts, and influence over various African kingdoms and empires throughout this period. By the late 19th century, most of Africa was under formal European colonial control or influence.

1. EUROPEAN
COLONIZATION OF
AFRICA: TIMELINE
Social Studies for 10th E.G.B.
Teacher: Mauricio Torres

2. Importance
• This is a “step by step guide” of how Africa was colonized.
• Takes notes of why each event was important, so you can
later compare it to the slide show when you have to study
for the test.
• And yes, try to remember the years in which these events
happened.

3. 1488
• Moroccans invade the kingdom of Mali

4. 1542
• Portugal helps Ethiopia end the Arab invasion.

5. 1562
• Britain begins slave trade in Africa

6. 1570
• Angola becomes a Portuguese colony.

7. 1591
• Moroccan forces destroy the Songhai Empire

8. 1625
• Holland involved in the slave trade.

9. 1637-1641
• Holland seizes Portugal’s Elmina, Sao Tome, and Luanda
trading posts.

10. 1642
• France involved in slave trade

11. 1651
• Britain invades Gambia

12. 1652
• Dutch East India Company founded Cape of Good
Hope, and the Dutch Boers colony develops.

13. 1659
• France invades Senegal

14. 1660
• Kingdom of Kongo defeated by Portugal

15. 1701-1896
• The independent Asante Empire.

16. 1787
• British found Freetown in West Africa. Freed slaves found
Sierra Leone.

17. 1792
• British found Freetown in West Africa. Freed slaves found
Sierra Leone.

18. 1797
• British forces capture the South African Cape Town colony
from the Dutch.

19. 1805-1953
• Muhammad Ali Dynasty rules Egypt.

20. 1806
• Britain annexes the Dutch Cape colony.

21. 1807
• Britain abolishes slave trade.

22. 1816-1828
• Shaka Zulu establish the Zulu Kingdom and starts the
Zulu Mfecane, fighting against British forces.

23. 1821
• Liberia is formed by African-Americans.

24. 1827
• French invade the city of Algiers.

25. 1839
• Boers invade Swaziland after Sabhuza I of Swaziland has
died.

26. 1845
• Great Britain introduces system of segregation in Natal.

27. 1847
• The Republic of Liberia becomes independent from the
U.S.

28. 1854-1856
• Scottish David Livingstone explores the Zambezi River.

29. 1860-1862
• Spain occupies the Rif and Tetouan.

30. 1860
• Indian indentured labourers are brought to Natal to work
in sugar plantations.
• Morocco cedes Ifni and the Western Sahara to Spain.

31. 1869
• Suez Canal opened.

32. Ask Yourself
• Summarize:
• What were the main motives behind African colonization?
• Analyze:
• Does it look like a race between European nations?

33. Research
GERMANY – ITALY – FRANCE – BELGIUM
• Find out when these countries established their first
colonies in Africa and where.
• Make a list and include the reasons why they colonized
these areas.