Review the map.

A map titled "African Colonies in 1914" shows British, French, German, Italian, Belgian, Spanish, and independent African states. The areas labeled British cover West Africa, and the areas labeled French cover East Africa. Two colonies are labeled independent African states.

Based on the map, how did European imperialism affect African nations?

A. Half the states in Africa were under the control of Portugal.
B. Very few African states remained independent by 1914.
C. All of Africa was under European control by 1914.
D. A large number of African states were under the control of Italy.

According to the map, very few African states remained independent by 1914 due to European colonization, which was formalized at the Berlin Conference of 1884. Major European powers controlled large portions of Africa, with Britain and France having the most significant territories.Therefore, the correct option is B.

Explanation:

Based on the map entitled African Colonies in 1914, European imperialism significantly affected African nations by claiming vast territories, with very few African states remaining independent by that year. The map shows that large areas labeled British and French cover much of the African continent, with West Africa being primarily under British control and East Africa under French control. Additionally, other European nations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain held significant colonies. The statement that best aligns with this description is that very few African states remained independent by 1914, which reflects the extent of European control after the 'Scramble for Africa'.

During the Berlin Conference of 1884, European powers convened to divide the African continent without the involvement of African delegates, leading to boundary lines that often remain to this day. By the end of the 19th century, countries like Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany dominated most of Africa, establishing colonies to extract resources for the burgeoning needs of their industrialized economies. Only Ethiopia and Liberia maintained their independence. European colonization resulted in authoritarian and militaristic colonial governments that often oppressed and exploited the local African populations to benefit the European powers.