Imperialism = a Policy of Conquering and Ruling Other Lands

Imperialism

• Imperialism = a policy of conquering and ruling other lands • Why do Europeans do this? • Industrialization sparks the need for: • Land perfect for establishing trading and military posts • Natural resources and raw materials • New markets for products

“Early” or “Old” Imperialism • Age of Exploration – 1500s-1700s • England, France, Spain, Holland, Portugal • Europeans raced for overseas colonies • Mainly was a competition over lands in the Americas • French-Indian War (Seven Years’ War) and completion between Spain and Portugal • Many Aboriginal People’s pushed aside for European colonists Interlude • Late 1700s-Late 1800s • Europeans preoccupied with happenings on the European continent and in the existing European colonies • American Revolution, French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, Latin American Wars for Independence, Growth of Nationalism, Industrial Revolution

“New” Imperialism • Beginning circa 1875 • Renewed race for colonies • Spurred by needs created by the Industrial Revolution • New markets for finished goods • New sources of raw materials • Nationalism • Colonies = economic and political power • Social Darwinism = racist justification • No longer about setting up colonies or exercising direct control over areas • Became largely economic • Possession or control of an area for economic gain • Spheres of influence and extraterritoriality rather than colonial settlement

• In the mid-1800s, Britain was the most powerful nation in the world. • Its factories produced more good than those of any other country. • The British Navy guarded the oceans so that those goods could be shipped safely to ports around the globe. • British banks loaned the money needed to build factories, mines, and railroads worldwide.

• By the late 1800s, however, Germany and the United States were challenging Britain’s economic leadership. • Faced with possible decline, Britain looked increasingly to its colonies for markets and resources.

• Other countries followed Britain’s lead and came to see colonies as necessary for their economic well-being. • The French and Dutch expanded their holdings and by 1900 France had an empire second in size only to Britain’s. • Spain and Portugal attempted to build new empires in Africa. • Austria-Hungary moved into the Balkans. • Russia expanded into the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Siberia. • Countries that had no colonies set out to acquire them. • Belgium, Italy, and Germany all took over lands in Africa (with Germany also taking an interest in East Asia & the Pacific islands).

• Two non-European countries, the United States and Japan, also became involved in overseas expansion during this period. • Both the U.S. and Japan were interested in East Asia. • The U.S. was also deeply tied to Latin America.

• Increasingly, Europeans viewed an empire as a measure of national stature.

“The sun never sets on the British empire.”

• Thus, the race for colonies grew out of a strong sense of national pride as well as from economic competition.

• Following the Industrial Revolution, Europeans regarded their new technology (weaponry, telegraphs, railroads etc.) as proof they were better than other peoples. • This attitude is a reflection of racism, the belief that one race is superior to others. • Europeans believed that they had the right and duty to bring the results of their progress to other countries. • Novels and poetry also glorified Imperialism. • The most popular writer of the day was Joseph Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936). • Kipling appealed not only to his readers’ sense of adventure but also their feelings of superiority. • He saw imperialism as a mission to “civilize non-Europeans” and urged his readers to: Take up the White Man’s Burden- Send forth the best ye breed- Go bind your sons to exile- To serve your captives’ need…

 Forms of Imperialism Form Definition Example Colony A country or territory Somaliland in East Africa was governed internally by a a French Colony. foreign power.

Protectorate A country or territory with its Britain established a own internal government but protectorate over the Niger under the control of an outside River Delta. power.

Sphere of Influence An area in which an outside Liberia was under the sphere power claims exclusive of influence of the United investment or trading States. privileges. Economic Imperialism An independent but less The Dole Fruit company developed country controlled controlled pineapple trade in by private business interests Hawaii. rather than other governments.  Imperial Management Methods Indirect Control Direct Control • Local government officials used. • Foreign officials brought in to rule. • Limited self-rule. • No self-rule • Goal: to develop future leaders. • Government institutions are based • Government institutions are based on only on European styles. European styles but may have local rules.

Examples: Examples: • British colonies such as Nigeria, India, • French colonies such as Somaliland, Burma Vietnam. • U.S. colonies on Pacaific Islands. • German colonies such as German East Africa. • Portuguese colonies such as Angola.

The Scramble for Africa

 Africa Before European Dominion o Divided into hundreds of ethnic groups o Followed traditional beliefs, Islam or Christianity o Nations ranged from large empires to independent villages o Africans controlled their own trade networks o Europeans only had contact on African coasts  Nations compete for overseas empires o Europeans wanted more land . Contained large amounts of gold, diamonds, and rubber o Africa was a mystery to many o Europeans who penetrated Africa were: . Explorers – seeking wealth and notoriety . Missionaries – trying to convert Africans to Christianity . Humanitarians – “westernize” the “savages”  Forces Driving Imperialism o Belief in European superiority . Racism  Increased feelings of white superiority  Also increased feelings of Japanese superiority  Eugenics developed as a branch of science . Social Darwinism  Interpreted Darwin’s evolutionary theory in terms of powerful nations  “Only the strong survive”  Powerful nations able to develop areas and resources being “wasted” by native peoples o Factors Promoting Imperialism in Africa . European technological superiority . Europeans had means to control . New medicines prevent diseases  The Berlin Conference (1884) o Europeans leaders divide Africa o No African ruler invited o Little or no thought about the complex differences in ethnic groups o By 1914 – Only independent nations . Liberia . Ethiopia  Africans Confront Imperialism o Broad resistance, but Europeans have superior weapons  Unsuccessful Movements o Algeria fights the French for 50 years o German East Africa resistance results in 75,000 deaths  Successful Movements o Ethiopia under Emperor Menelik II o Plays Europeans against each other o Stockpiles modern weapons o Defeats Italy and remains independent  Negative Effects o Africans lose land and independence o Many lives are lost o Traditional cultures breakdown o Division of Africa creates problems that continue today  Positive Effects o Reduces local fighting o Sanitation improves o Hospitals and schools created o Technology brings economic growth