Why Russia DID NOT Colonize Africa

Ever wondered why there is one notable absence from the list of countries that colonized Africa? Russia, a major power center in the world, which has more experience as an expansionist imperialist should have ended up with a sizable chunk of colonies in Africa, did not get a single colony on the continent during the scramble for Africa. Find out why Russia did not colonize Africa.

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[BantuKing]

I would suggest that with the growth of knowledge and economics on the continent, it would be in our best interest to unify, because the colonizers will continue to destabilize any country that shows economic, education and military prowess.
So, if Afrika wants to shine, then shine as one.

[fredstanley]

Russia spent 400 years expanding to the territory it had today. In the 16th century it was about 6 or 7 times smaller than it is today

[ronaldmadziro]

As a Historian who studied more about the Berlin Conference, I was aware that Russia wanted to colonize Madagascar and Djibouti. But they were unsuccessful due to logistics. Also for those who don't know, Hungary also wanted Colonies in Africa but could not get enough lobbyists.Norway and Sweden wanted to chop up the Congo to get their respective colonies, one of them would get Southern Congo while the other would get Eastern Congo.However it was the Amerikkkans who instead supported Belgian King's bid to take over entire Congo as his personal property, so he can bring Christianity into the area.This forgetting that Portuguese had already brought Christianity into the Congo 4 Centuries earlier in 1483, but that ended in disaster due to the slave trade. But Belgian King got his wishes and we all know what happened after that. So just imagine people in the Congo speaking Swedish and other parts of the Congo speaking in Norwegian? We would even be more divided than ever.

[vitaliysaffatel]

The answer to this question is simple - Russia had enough internal resources and it simply pursued a colonial policy on its outskirts. Another question is what policy Russia will pursue in Africa today? Most likely, for now, it will be limited to individual infrastructure projects and will strengthen military cooperation with countries where there is an acute armed intra-social conflict. Against this background, Russia will also actively participate in the African market for food, arms, educational and banking services.

[zajarski]

Interesting fact: one of the most revered poets and writers of Russia, Alexander Pushkin, has African roots.

[brontewcat]

Did Russia colonise any country it did not neighbour? My impression is that Russia was about expanding its own borders rather than acquiring an overseas empire.

[fromthehills]

Interesting point; while seeking influence in Africa, the USSR repeatedly pushed back on Western Europe. When Western Europe was weakened after WW2, the USSR insisted on African independence. They were much more aggressive in this than America, which is why so many African militaries have Soviet weaponry. Theres even some rumors that the Russians insinuated that they would nuke the UK and France if they went to war with Egypt over the Suez Canal.

[SarahsAtticOfTreasures]

Honestly, I never thought about it. Great information. Thank you.

[smartinamharic]

Russia helps Ethiopia in the first world war in military equipment like canon .don't forget that .

[maqwaybaran]

Russia had and still has large landmasses which she couldn't even utilized up to date

[AkinAkin]

Geographical proximity to Africa is a very good point. I never considered that.

[A.Mayflower]

Great video as always! This is something I never wondered about but it’s still extremely interesting!

[beautyarchives]

Russia would most likely not be able to maintain a colony for long! 1918 the Soviets took over, and a civil war was still raging. It came with territorial loss(Imperial Russia was larger), and it led to a reduction of naval power for the first 2 decades. In the 1880's & 1890's Russia helped Ethiopia's Emperor Menelik II with modern weaponry to close the fire arm gap with Italy. So if Russia was serious it probably they would make Ethiopia a protectorate or they would seize a coast line and establish trade with Ethiopia. Both are Orthodox and somewhat similar, and had troubled relations with Catholism, and Islamic & Ottoman influence. This would make a nice alternate history in some game. 😄

[isoomena]

The Russians were at that time allergic to mosquito bites.

[jon_s]

For the life of me, I don't understand why this channel is not getting millions of views

[Madeinchinaagain]

Researched and pointed explanation. Great job! One complaint— your mic! For some reason, the audio is so low quality. It distracts from your content, but you rein it back in with thought provoking information. My 2 cents.
Keep it up

[penguinpingu]

It's pretty much simple, Russia is just too far. As the Baltic and Black seas are their choke point in Europe. And the Pacific has Japan to deal with and if they managed to get a colony in Africa it would just end up in the hands of another power.

[mulindwaemmanuel]

Wooow you keep surprising me with incredible content and I admire the way you do research

[africantruth]

It is a strange question to ask. You ask a question as if Africa is just a place for anybody to colonize. An appropriate question could be: " Could Russia be able to colonize Africa, if it wanted"

[Chepkasi]

Wow!!! Such an informative topic which I had never even thought about. I Wonder if the Russian spy Nikolai really was exiled or it was just a cover up. Thanks and keep them coming.