Gladstone and Berlin Conference


This I884 cartoon sets the Berlin Treaty, which partitioned Africa amongst the European powers, in the context of its time. The treaty, later of vital importance in African and imperial history, lies with other imperial matters insignificantly at the feet of the Prime Minister, Gladstone. As an ambitious young Joseph Chamberlain measures Gladstone for his role as a popular party leader, the Prime Minister is beset by greater problems: the flames of Irish sedition, dissident bandoliered Boers and a disgruntled population awaiting his electoral promises of liberal reforms.


Africa


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by Stephen Luscombe