... Livingstone3 and due to King Leopold II of Belgium assuming control over the Congo basin, believing it to be rich in minerals. This upset the balance of power that had existed and began a chain reaction, which led to the European powers competing for new colonies. There is much evidence to suggest that the 'scramble for Africa' was the result of economic needs. The 1870s witnessed the onset of The Great Depression as seen by contemporaries, and a downturn in the economy and trade. Industrial countries were over-producing, and there was increased competition between industrial powers for existing markets. Furthermore, it was becoming increasingly difficult to trade within Europe as counties like Italy reintroduced protection. This led to Europe looking overseas for new markets to trade with to reduce the surplus goods, and provide a buffer for the mother country to protect it from economic extremes of boom and bust. It ...

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