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What if, instead of outright European colonization and conquering of African Nations, instead influenced them in a “informal” way, like a Great Game of Africa, as I like to call.

Let’s say, as much ASB it is, Indirect rule remains in use, rather then Direct rule. Europeans can still have coastal Colonies, and large bits of territory, but don’t expand them inwards. Heck, we can get even more Countries in on the pie, like America, and Russia.

Instead they supply and influence different African kingdoms and empires, picking favorites, in exchange for Resources. Like for hypothetical examples:

Britain supporting an expanding Ashanti Kingdom, against Dahomey, who are supported by the French.

Or Britain supporting the Zulu against the Boers, who are (possibly) supported by Germany

Or Italy influencing various Somali States, against Ethiopia, who is supported by (possibly) Russia.

Or America taking a greater interest in Morocco and Liberia

Questions:
Which African Countries could possibly expand?
Which Country could have the greatest Influence?
How would these various African Kingdoms and Empires develop, would they eventually modernize, and even westernize?
Should I make a timeline of this later?
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