The Great Trek, a migration of Dutch-speaking settlers (Boers) from the British-controlled Cape Colony, leads to the establishment of Boer republics in southern Africa.

1867

Diamonds are discovered in Griqualand West (modern-day Northern Cape, South Africa), leading to British involvement in the region.

1869

The Suez Canal is completed, enhancing European access to East Africa.

1870s

European powers, including Britain, France, and Belgium, establish a presence along the West African coast.

1884-1885

The Berlin Conference is held, where European powers negotiate and establish rules for the colonization of Africa without the input of African nations.

1884

France gains control over Madagascar.

1884 to 1885

Portugal and Germany vie for influence in Mozambique and Namibia respectively.

1885

Leopold II of Belgium claims the Congo Free State as his personal property.

1888

Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company acquires mineral rights in Mashonaland, present-day Zimbabwe.

1890

The British South Africa Company establishes British control over Southern Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe).

1890-1894

The Franco-British struggle over Sudan culminates in the Fashoda Incident, nearly sparking a war.

1897

Benin City is captured by British forces, leading to the colonization of Nigeria.

1898

Battle of Omdurman – British forces defeat Sudanese Mahdist forces, allowing Britain to consolidate control over Sudan.

1899-1902

The Second Boer War takes place between British forces and Boer republics, resulting in British control over the entire region.

1902

The Herero and Nama genocide begins in German South-West Africa (modern-day Namibia) under German colonial rule.

1904

France concludes a secret treaty with Spain partitioning Morocco and had also agreed not to oppose Britain’s moves in Egypt in exchange for a free hand in Morocco.

1905

Germany, insisted upon an open-door policy in the area; and, in a dramatic show of imperial power, the emperor William II visited Tangier and, from his yacht on March 31, 1905, declared for Morocco’s independence and integrity.

1906

The First Moroccan Crisis is resolved. At the Algeciras Conference, German and other national economic rights were upheld , while the French and Spanish were entrusted with the policing of Morocco.

1911

The Second Moroccan Crisis: the German gunboat Panther was sent to Agadir on July 1, 1911, to protect German interests during a local native uprising in Morocco.