History - Junior Secondary 3 - The Berlin Treaty

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 11 and 12

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  The Berlin treaty

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Explain what the berlin treaty is and when it was instituted
2. ) Give reasons for the berlin treaty
3. ) Outline the feature of the Berlin treaty

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 3 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 11

NOTE

THE BERLIN TREATY

The Berlin Treaty, also known as the Berlin Conference or the Berlin Act, was an international agreement established during a conference held from November 15, 1884, to February 26, 1885, in Berlin, Germany. It aimed to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa during the period known as the "Scramble for Africa." The conference was convened by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck of Germany and included representatives from major European powers such as Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

The treaty sought to formalize the process of colonization, setting guidelines for the acquisition of territory and establishing principles for trade and governance in Africa. It effectively divided Africa among European powers, often with little regard for the existing political and cultural boundaries of African societies.

EVALUATION:

1. What was the primary objective of the Berlin Treaty established during the Berlin Conference?
2. Who convened the Berlin Conference, and which major European powers participated in it?
3. How did the Berlin Treaty impact the process of colonization and trade in Africa?
4. What were some of the guidelines set by the Berlin Treaty regarding the acquisition of territory in Africa?
5. In what ways did the Berlin Treaty disregard the existing political and cultural boundaries of African societies?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 12

NOTE

THE BERLIN TREATY

Reasons for the Berlin Treaty

Several factors contributed to the establishment of the Berlin Treaty:

• Competition for Colonies: European nations were engaged in intense competition to acquire colonies in Africa for economic exploitation, strategic advantage, and national prestige. The treaty sought to reduce conflicts among these powers by providing a framework for territorial claims.
• Need for Regulation: As European powers expanded their influence in Africa, there was a growing need for an organized approach to colonization. The conference aimed to create rules for the occupation of African territories to prevent conflict among colonizers.
• Desire for Economic Gain: European powers were interested in Africa's rich resources, including minerals, agricultural products, and raw materials. The treaty facilitated the extraction of these resources through structured colonization.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Some European leaders and missionaries believed that colonization could bring civilization, education, and Christianity to African societies, justifying their presence on the continent.
• Strategic Interests: Control over African territories was seen as vital for national security and military strategy. Establishing spheres of influence in Africa allowed countries to secure their interests globally.

Features of the Berlin Treaty

The Berlin Treaty had several notable features:

• Effective Occupation: The treaty stipulated that a European power could claim a territory only if it could demonstrate effective occupation and control. This principle aimed to prevent arbitrary claims and encourage genuine governance.
• Freedom of Trade: The treaty emphasized the importance of free trade in the Congo River Basin and along the Niger River. It sought to ensure that trade routes remained open and accessible to all nations.
• Prohibition of Slave Trade: The treaty included provisions to suppress the slave trade in Africa, reflecting the growing abolitionist sentiment in Europe.
• Protection of Indigenous Peoples: While the treaty did not prioritize the rights of African peoples, it included a provision for the protection of indigenous populations against mistreatment by colonizers.
• Recognition of Territorial Claims: The conference allowed European powers to formalize their claims to territories in Africa, leading to the recognition of spheres of influence, particularly in regions like West Africa and the Congo.

EVALUATION:

1. What motivated European powers to convene the Berlin Conference and establish the Berlin Treaty during the Scramble for Africa?
2. How did the Berlin Treaty aim to address conflicts among European nations regarding territorial claims in Africa?
3. What key principles were outlined in the Berlin Treaty to guide the colonization process in Africa?
4. In what ways did the Berlin Treaty promote trade and governance in African territories among European powers?
5. How did the features of the Berlin Treaty reflect the interests and priorities of European powers during the late 19th century?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively