The Scramble for Africa (Or, How the African Countries Got Their Shapes) (Zoom)
Spring (9 - 13 hours) | Available (Membership Required)
Most of Africa was generally unknown to the rest of the world until the 1880s. Then, an ambitious and ruthless king from a minor European country “sparked” a rush for glory and riches that years later would be known infamously as the “Scramble for Africa.” The result was a carving up of the great continent, first into colonies and later nation-states that generally ignored the cultures and histories of indigenous peoples. We will examine the Scramble’s roots and legacy, specifically how the map of Africa evolved into the configuration we recognize today.
This course will consist of discussions between the Study Leader and participants.
L. Jon Grogan
L. Jon Grogan has a BA in Political Science from Tufts University, an MA in Public History from the University of San Diego, and a PhD in American History (with a minor concentration in African colonial history) from Loyola University, Chicago. He is also a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who has served in various command and staff assignments in the United States and overseas. His Osher portfolio includes classes on various topics in American, African, and military history.