Final answer:
Europeans controlled a small portion of Africa in the 1800s due to factors such as the vastness of the continent, the diversity of African societies, the prevalence of diseases, and competition among European powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1800s, Europeans controlled a relatively small portion of Africa due to several factors. One reason was that the vastness of the African continent made it difficult for Europeans to project their power and establish a significant presence in all regions. Additionally, African societies were diverse, with some areas having strong centralized states and developed military capabilities, making it challenging for Europeans to colonize them.
Furthermore, diseases like malaria and other tropical illnesses were prevalent in Africa, which posed significant health risks for European colonizers. European powers, therefore, concentrated their colonization efforts in areas with more favorable conditions, such as coastal regions, where they could establish trade ports and exploit local resources without facing as many health challenges.
Finally, there was also competition among European powers themselves, as they vied for control and influence over African territories. This competition led to the scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, where European nations started to partition and claim territories to gain economic advantages and geopolitical dominance in the continent.
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