PHUNC IV. An Unaccustomed Earth. Scramble for Africa

Transcription

1 PHUNC IV An Unaccustomed Earth Scramble for Africa

2 Letter from the Crisis Director Dear Delegates, My name is Ryan Sayre and I will be your Crisis Director for the Scramble for Africa Committee. I am a sophomore here at Penn State, and I am pursuing a major in Architectural Engineering. I have always had an interest in Model UN but did not get involved in it until my freshman year of college when I joined the Penn State International Affairs and Debate Association or PSIADA. I have previously staffed a crisis committee in PUNC of 2016, and this will be my first experience being the Crisis Director in a committee. I am from Bucks, County where I ve lived all my life. I love trying new things, especially new and sometimes bizarre foods. I love crabbing, frisbee golf, and the outdoors. I m an avid moviegoer. Some of my favorite movies include Silence of the Lambs and Inception. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the committee. I am happy to help you out in any way that i can. Sincerely, Ryan Sayre Rjs6032@psu.edu 1

3 Letter from the Chair Dear Delegates, My name is Brian Trench, and I will be your chair for this Scramble for Africa Committee. I m a Sophomore here at Penn State, pursuing a double major in Finance and English. I ve always had an interest in both international and domestic politics, but I did not become involved with Model UN until I joined the Penn State International Affairs and Debate Association (PSIADA) in the second semester of my freshman year. I staffed a crisis committee at PUNC 2016, and this will be my first experience as a chair. I m from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and I m a lifelong fan of Philadelphia sports. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and reading books. My favorite movie is Pulp Fiction and my favorite book is Catch 22. My passion for reading led to my decision to pick up English as a second major. I also love music and I m a huge fan of Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions during the course of your preparation for this committee. I m more than happy to help you out in any way I can. Sincerely, Brian Trench bdt5129@psu.edu 2

4 Committee Vision and Learning Outcomes There are a few things we would like the delegates to take from this committee. First, we hope to broaden your knowledge about an important event that had a profound effect on world history. The colonization of Africa had wide-reaching moral and global implications, and we would love to provide delegates with more knowledge in this area. Second, we want to help delegates improve in their problem-solving and negotiation skills by working through the actual conference, and creating treaties. Finally, we hope to help delegates improve their public speaking skills through this simulation. Topics of Debate Settle disputes around the Congo River Basin. Creating a comprehensive way to colonize Africa. Settling disputed land between European powers Background Africa Before the Berlin Conference The vast majority of The African continent remained under indigenous African control leading up to the conference in Africa had engaged in trade with European powers for centuries, but most of Europe s presence on the continent at this point was restricted to ports along the coast. In 1870, Europe only owned 10% of the land in Africa. At this time, Portugal held Angola and Mozambique, The United Kingdom held the Cape Colony, and France held Algeria. However, by 1880 European interest in Africa intensified. Exploration of the continent proved that it had many useful resources like gold, timber, land, markets, and labor power. Clear maps were delineated that showed the areas under British, Portuguese, French and Belgian control. They attempt to expand these boundaries by eliminating indigenous powers. In 1876 King Leopold II of Belgium founded the International African Society in 1876, he sent Henry Morton Stanley to explore the continent. This exploration led to the creation of the International Congo Society, in which Leopold used for imperialist purposes. Over the next 7 years, Leopold used Stanley to secretly organize The Free Congo State. When France figured out about Belgium s plans, they sent Pierre de Brazza to the western Congo Basin to claim Brazzaville, an area in present day Republic of Congo, in Portugal also claimed areas in the Congo based on old outdated treaties. It then made a treaty with the United Kingdom to block off the Congo Society s access to the Atlantic. After France claimed the Republic of Congo, they were also able to take control of Tunisia. This land grab by France was part of the reason Italy decided to join the triple alliance with Austria-Hungary and Germany. Meanwhile, The British became concerned that the Portuguese and French claims near the Nile River and the Suez Canal would threaten its trade routes to Britain's Indian empire. This caused them to try to make claims in Ottoman Egypt. 3

5 Germany s fear of falling behind the other European nations in colonizing Africa caused Otto Von Bismarck to launch expeditions in the continent. Hoping to deescalate tensions, King Leopold II convinced France and Germany that common trade in Africa was in the best interest of all countries. Otto Von Bismarck called the Berlin Conference in hopes of accomplishing this goal. State of Europe at the Time During the latter half of the nineteenth century, Europe was experiencing a second Industrial Revolution. The new innovations in manufacturing that called for more raw materials forced the nations of Europe to seek them out in more places. These new imperialistic needs of the European powers drew their eye toward the African continent. Africa at the time was referred to as the Dark Continent because of the lack of knowledge of the interior lands. With new innovations in technology Europeans began exploring the mysterious continent, discovering vast new lands with bountiful resources and opportunities. Results of The Conference At the Berlin Conference, The Congo Free State was confirmed as the private property of King Leopold II. This was supposed to ensure that Leopold s promise of free trade in Africa would come to fruition. All 14 signatory powers were granted trading routes throughout The Congo Basin, and the Niger and Congo River were made free for ship traffic. The conference also put in place the Principle of Effectivity, which stated that powers had to possess land if they had treaties there, flew their flag there, or if they established an administration to govern the area. It essentially prevented European nations from making baseless claims in Africa. After the end of the conference, European countries scrambled to colonize Africa under the Principle of Effectivity. By 1914, 90% of the African continent was colonized, and the continent was divided into 50 different countries. Some of the most important developments in Africa were: Great Britain almost achieved its Cape-to-Cairo connection by controlling Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa France took most of western Africa, controlling land from Mauritania to Chad and Gabon and The Republic of Congo Belgium controlled the Democratic Republic of Congo Italy took Somalia and part of Ethiopia Germany obtained Tanzania (German East Africa) Committee Structure Crisis Crisis will play the part of all outside bodies and powers. You will generally communicate with crisis through notes sent back and forth. However, you may request an attaché when the need arises to meet with outside the room as well as asking them to come into the room. In these cases, a crisis staffer will represent the requested party. 4

6 Crisis is there to provide a dynamic and unpredictable experience for delegates. Do not fight Crisis; use it to your advantage and work with it. Crisis will allow you to act within your portfolio powers as you please. This means you have freedom to be creative and effective. When communicating with crisis, use detailed yet simple notes. An example of a note to move troops would look like this: Front Inside To: Crisis From: Name of your position Please move 1,000 soldiers from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. Your troops encountered X number of enemy soldiers. You lost 600 soldiers in the battle. You now have 400 soldiers camped in State College. They are unable to continue to Pittsburgh Crisis will respond clearly to your request. If they deny it, you ll be told you don t have enough supplies to move these soldiers or whatever other reason it is that you cannot do so. Perhaps your soldiers, on their way to Pittsburgh, encounter an enemy force in State College. In that case, you will receive a note that looks like the one below. Here it is important to remember that your troops never made it to Pittsburgh, they are trapped. They require reinforcements to move on to Pittsburgh. Crisis will provide periodic individual updates on your financial and military situations as well as newsworthy alerts. While these notes are simple, they also include all the information Crisis will need. Crisis cannot move soldiers unless it knows where they are coming from and where they are going. This same process works for all things you do be they economic, humanitarian, political, etc. Value detail and quality over quantity. Your effectiveness in Crisis is determined by your ability to use it to your advantage and play to your own strengths. Structure Each nation will have two delegates, a secretary of foreign affairs and a secretary of defense or war, with the exception of the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. The Secretary of Foreign affairs will be responsible for negotiating treaties with other nations. The Secretary of Defense or War will conduct any military efforts. However, to declare war both delegates must be in agreement. 5

7 Delegate Positions Germany: Although Germany called the conference in order to bring peace to European colonization in Africa, it is not afraid to use the great force of its armies to maintain and possibly expand on its holdings on the southwestern coast of Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs: Paul Von Hatzfeldt: Paul Von Hatzfeldt: Described by Otto Von Bismarck, As the best horse in the diplomatic stable, Hatzfeldt served as the ambassador to Constantinople from , before becoming Minister of foreign affairs. Prussian Minister of War-Paul Bronsart von Schellendorff: After great success in the Austro- Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars, Bronsart von Schellendorff was appointed Prussian War Minister in Belgium: King Leopold II has carried out extensive research and has looked to civilize Africa since He sent American explorer Stanley to make agreements with local leaders to build trading forts and roads around the mouth of the Congo. Belgium s main goal in the conference is to gain European recognition of its claims in Central Africa. Foreign Minister: Joseph de Riquet de Caraman-Chimay: Formerly Governor of the province of Hainaut, Caraman-Chimay is now a trusted foreign minister for Belgium and King Leopold II. Minister of Defense: Charles Pontus: Formally a major general of the Belgian army, Pontus is currently the Belgium Minister of Defense. France: France is focused on protecting its pre-existing interests in Africa, including Algeria and parts of the western coast. France also sees the Suez Canal as a vital necessity, giving France great trade route access as well as power over the colonial might of Britain. Minister of Foreign Affairs: Jules Ferry: Ferry, a French statesmen and republican, is a strong promoter of colonial expansion. Minister of Defense: Jean Baptise-Campenon: After taking part in the Crimean War, French conquest in Algeria, and the Franco Prussian War, Jean Baptise-Campenon was appointed the French Minister of Defense. Portugal: Portugal is keeping its main focus in its holdings in the southern portion of Africa, along the east and west coastlines. With its small population, Portugal must rely more on negotiation that military strength in order to protect its holdings. Portuguese Foreign Minister: Jose Vicente Barbosa du Bocage: A famous zoologist who published numerous works on birds, fish, and mammals, Barbosa got involved in politics later in his life. Portuguese Naval Officer: Hermenegildo Capelo: Capelo previously explored the lands of Southern Africa and is currently their head naval officer. 6

8 Spain: Spain wishes to maintain its influence in northeastern Africa, including Morocco. They are looking to use their holdings in Africa to gain access to valuable resources. Currently, Spain is a weakened power, lacking money and proper resources. It hopes to improve its situation by utilizing resources in Africa. Foreign Minister: Jose De Elduayen: A Spanish noble and politician, Elduayen has served two previous times as foreign minister. Minister of Defense: Genaro De Quesada y Matheus: After serving in important battles of the Moroccan War and honorably leading the loyalists troops in Spain during a revolution, Genaro De Quesada y Matheus was appointed the Minister of Defense for Spain in Italy: Italy does not currently have any holdings in Africa. It s previous attempt to colonize Tunisia, where many Italians reside, was a failure. Italy is looking to expand its power in Africa and gain access to valuable resources like ivory, copper, cotton, and slave industries. They are also hoping to set up large ports to facilitate trade with the rest of the world. Secretary of Foreign Affairs: Pasquale Stanislao Mancini: Known for conducting negotiations to create the triple alliance, an alliance between Italy, Germany, and Austria, Mancini has proven very skilled in foreign diplomacy. Commander of the Royal Italian Army: Giuseppe Arimond: An intelligent and honorable graduate from the Military Academy of Modena, Arimondi is now head of the Royal Italian Army whose main goal is to lead the Royal Italian Army in the endeavors or Italy in Africa. United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has a strong colonial holding on southern Africa in which it wants to maintain power over and also wishes to strengthen its influence on the Suez Canal, a vital link to its valuable colony in India. Foreign Minister: Granville Leverson-Gower: Granville Leverson-Gower: After serving two previous terms as the foreign minister of the United Kingdom, Leverson-Gower has become adept in foreign negotiations Secretary of War: Spencer Cavendish: Cavendish previously served as Secretary of State for India, Spencer Cavendish was appointed Secretary of War who is responsible for heading any military operations in which United Kingdom becomes involved. Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman s strategy is to remain a dominant power in northeastern Africa including Egypt, Sudan, and North Africa, while attempting to stop the European powers from colonizing and reducing the power of the Ottoman Empire. Egypt is a tributary state of The Ottoman Empire. Egypt also has a vested interest in keeping Europeans out of Egypt and maintaining his influence over the land. Sultan: Abdulhamid II: The controversial conservative despot ruler of the Ottoman Empire. 7

9 Khedive of Egypt: The semi-unpopular leader of Egypt, put into power by the British during their occupation. United States: The United States main goal in this conference is to protect its holding in Liberia. It can also use America s power to create treaties, and gain strategic strongholds in almost any area. Secretary of State: Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen: As a former Senator and candidate for Vice President, Frelinghuysen has had a long productive career in public service Secretary of War: Robert Todd Lincoln: The first born son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, Robert s skills and knowledge in politics had him appointed Secretary of War by President Garfield in 1881 Netherlands: Netherland s has a small army, but they hope to leverage their wealth to create fruitful deals with other nations to advance their interests in Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs: Joseph van der Does de Willebois: A Catholic minister and good friend of the king, Willebois is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Netherlands. Secretary of War: August Willem Philip Weitzel: After a long career As a decorated military officer, Weitzel was appointed Secretary of War for the Netherlands. Research and Sources For the purpose of this committee, we feel that everything that you need to know is in the delegate guide. Any other research that you do will be beneficial to your idea of the culture, lifestyle, technology, customs, and time period that you are working in. We also recommend looking at Wikipedia for basic background knowledge as it works well as a stepping point for further understanding. Africa, By The Time. "Berlin Conference " Berlin Conference Accessed September 01, "Berlin Conference of Oxford Reference." Berlin Conference of Oxford Reference. January 13, Accessed September 01, e "Berlin Conference." Wikipedia. Accessed September 01, By Continuing to Use Our Website, You Are Agreeing to Our Use of. "Between Law and History: The Berlin Conference of and the Logic of Free Trade." Between Law and History: The Berlin Conference of and the Logic of Free Trade. Accessed September 01,

10 "The Partition of Africa The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed." The Partition of Africa The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed. Accessed September 01, "The Portuguese in Africa in the 19th Century." The Portuguese in Africa in the 19th Century. Accessed August 4,