The history of external colonisation of Africa can be dated from ancient, medieval, or modern history, depending on how the term colonisation is defined. In popular parlance, discussions of colonialism in Africa usually focus on the European conquests of the New Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa (1884-1914) era, followed by gradual decolonisation. The principal powers involved in the modern colonisation of Africa are Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Italy. In nearly all African countries today, the language used in government and media is the one imposed by a recent colonial power.
In the late 19th century, Europe was practically fully occupied, so many countries looked toward other areas of the world where they could expand territories, set up more trading posts, and make bigger profits than before.
Many of these European countries saw potential in the African continent, and when wealth was found, those countries began to race to conquer Africa. People sent ambassadors to sign peace treaties with the African leaders, and they used railroads to facilitate transport of these natural resources.
