Before Imperialism
Prior to Imperialism, Africa was not colonized except for a few areas on the coastline.
During New Imperialism
Africa went from zero 2 one hunnit reel quick. Its land had copious amounts of the resources that the European powers needed so much to fuel the movement. Also, European countries were developing problems with population size. They were too small to support the growth of population they were experiencing due to the Industrial Revolution. Africa provided a solution to their problem; it was extremely large and had a very low population density. More land for a country meant more power, so Africa became a grounds for gaining political power in the very powerful Europe. The combination of unclaimed land, low population density, and resources led to a surge of colonization from European countries. In just over 30 years, the entirety of Africa was claimed.
Resistance
The aggressive manner in which Europe took over Africa provoked Resistance from the governments already there. The resistance from Ethiopia to Italy was an example of a successful African resistance. Italy met a very strong resistance and military leader in Menelik II. Menelik's thoughts on imperialism, very similar to that of other African rulers, was outlined in his Mobilization Proclamation:
"Enemies have now come upon us to ruin our country and to change our religion. Our enemies have begun the affair by advancing and digging into the country like moles. With the help of God I will not deliver my country to them. Today, you who are strong, give me your strength, and you who are weak, help me by prayer."
In the Battle of Adwa in 1896, the Ethiopians beat the Italians and more or less retained independence throughout New Imperialism. Europe was much more successful in conquering smaller establishments such as Igboland or Dakkar.
"Enemies have now come upon us to ruin our country and to change our religion. Our enemies have begun the affair by advancing and digging into the country like moles. With the help of God I will not deliver my country to them. Today, you who are strong, give me your strength, and you who are weak, help me by prayer."
In the Battle of Adwa in 1896, the Ethiopians beat the Italians and more or less retained independence throughout New Imperialism. Europe was much more successful in conquering smaller establishments such as Igboland or Dakkar.
Protectorates
Once colonized, European nations indirectly ruled their African land through protectorates, a system that let one state rule another without being present in that state. Usually, a government would be set up with a governor at the head of the state, and received laws and orders from their offices back in their home country. This worked well in longstanding governments prior to their conquering because it set up a system that gave them their old government influenced by the European governments. This didn't work as well in weaker governments such as tribes because it deviated away from the dictator chief widely used across the smaller establishments in Africa.