which western nations claimed the greatest square milage in colonial africa
To determine which Western nations claimed the greatest square mileage in colonial Africa, we can analyze historical records and consider the extent of their colonies on the African continent. Here are the main nations that staked significant colonial claims in Africa:
1. France: The French had extensive colonial holdings in Africa, including large territories in North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco) and Sub-Saharan Africa (French West Africa, French Equatorial Africa, and Madagascar). These territories collectively covered a considerable square mileage.
2. Britain: The British Empire had extensive colonial holdings in Africa, encompassing regions such as Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia), Kenya, Nigeria, Gold Coast (now Ghana), Uganda, and others. British territories in Africa covered a vast square mileage overall.
3. Belgium: Belgium claimed significant territory in Africa with the establishment of the Congo Free State (later known as the Belgian Congo). This large territory covered a substantial square mileage in central Africa.
4. Germany: Germany possessed colonies in Africa, including German East Africa (present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi), German South-West Africa (now Namibia), and a few small territories. Although not as extensive as some others, Germany's colonial claims occupied a significant square mileage.
It's important to note that other Western nations, such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, also had colonial possessions in Africa, but their square mileage was comparatively smaller.
To obtain precise and comprehensive data on the square mileage claimed by each nation, historical records, and maps from the colonial period can be consulted.