The causes that led to the partition of Africa are found in the economic and political state of western Europe at the time. Germany, recently united under Prussian rule as a result of Franco-Prussian War of 1870, was seeking new outlets for its energies, new markets for the growing industries and colonies.
Africa was the only field left to exploit. South America was widely considered as a fiefdom of the United States based on the Monroe Doctrine, while Britain, France, Netherlands and Spain had already divided much of Asia and the rest of the world between themselves.
Africa was the only field left to exploit. South America was widely considered as a fiefdom of the United States based on the Monroe Doctrine, while Britain, France, Netherlands and Spain had already divided much of Asia and the rest of the world between themselves.