- STRATEGIC, ECONOMIC AND IMPERIALISTIC – Egyptian expansion was perhaps because of Suez Canal. Zanzibar and Uganda establishment was because of fact it allowed consolidation of East African expansion → Ugandan Railway, 660 miles was to allow coast and highlands direct access. Kenya expanded into as it offered route to Uganda. Cape Colony and Transvaal conflict rooted from Uitlanders and gold → Rhodes’ actions were not liked by British but they had to defend British interest → eventually led to Union of South Africa in 1910.
- EUROPEAN RIVALS – Nigeria vestablished because Britain already had charter company (Royal Niger Company established 1879) in the region and French interests grew. Zanzibar was eyed by the Germans and settled in 1890 treaty. Sudan annexed due to Fashoda incident with French and Italians and French eyeing up territories before however this was finally settled in 1899 when the French agreed to not push onto Nile.
PROTECTING OWN TERRITORIES – Ashantiland annexed in 1896 when Prempeh was forced from throne due to them causing skirmishes in trying to annex territory on the coasts of West Africa and the Gold Coast.