ABSTRACT
The Scramble for Africa lasted at most twenty years but, during that period, it went through a number of distinct phases. In the early and mid-1880s no European Power or statesman (with the possible exception of Leopold of the Belgians) had any very clear idea of what territory they wished to acquire in Africa, or indeed whether they wished to acquire any at all. Yet it was during this period that the most critical decisions were taken. Practically all the significant maritime Powers of western Europe (with the important exception of the Dutch who were content with their possessions in the Far East) gathered into their respective ‘spheres of influence’ those fragments of Africa which history, or other accidental circumstances, placed within their grasp. It was done without enthusiasm. It was also done without effective political opposition at home. It was as if politicians and public alike were so taken by surprise by an unprecedented turn of events that they could not immediately formulate their attitudes.
