IMPERIALISM

Define:

1) Social Darwinism—based on Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution that was applied to human society in a radical way by nationalists and racists and businessmen. British philosopher Herbert Spencer argued that social progress came from “the struggle for survival” as the fit –the strong—advanced while the weak declined. Strong at the top and weak at the bottom. (638-48)

2) Imperialism—the domination of a powerful nation over the political, economical and cultural affairs (648) [the extension of a nation’s power over other lands].

3) Protectorate—the local ruler kept his title, but foreign officials actually controlled the region (649) [a political unit that depends on another government for its protection]

4) Indirect Rule—colonial powers tried to work with the local elite; local government officials are kept in place with limited self-rule; government institutions use European style that may have local rules with the hope to develop future rulers. Favored by GB and US. (651) [local rulers were allowed to maintain their positions of authority and status in a new colonial setting]

5) Direct Rule—foreign officials brought in to rule; no self rule is allowed; government institutions are based only on European styles. Preferred by the French, Germans and Portuguese. (651) [local elites removed from power and replaced with a new set of officials from the mother country]

6) Annex—to take over a territory and incorporate it into another political entity for example a country or state. (to attach something subsidiary to a larger thing) (655) [incorporated territory into an existing political unit, such as a city or a country]

7) Indigenous—originating in and naturally living, growing or occurring in a region or country; natural or inborn (658) [native to a region]

8) Sphere of Influence—a region in which one nation had special sometimes exclusive economic and political privileges that were recognized by other European nations. (687) [areas where the imperial powers had exclusive trading rights (China)]

9) Concession—the grant of economic rights and privileges in a given area; the act of yielding or compromising in some way, often grudgingly or unwillingly usually in view of special circumstances—negative or positive (698) [political compromise]

1 Motives for IMPERIALISM

I. SOCIAL Religion— moral responsibility to civilize primitive people-- felt an obligation to spread Christianity—missionaries converted the natives, educated the natives in western ways of language, religion, dress and hygiene

‘white man’s burden’—Social Darwinism in a poem; became the anthem of imperialism. Showed the arrogance of Western ‘superiority’ established in the 1500’s.

Colonies were to be used for what the white man desired.

II. Economic Desire for self-sufficiency—gain an advantage over a rival and not depend on them. Never knew who to trust in the ever changing political environment of Europe. No one industrial nation produced all its necessary raw materials. None of the leaders wanted to depend on another nation(s). Afraid in the event of war their country would be at the mercy of the other country.

Need for new markets—outlet for overproduction; new technology made it possible to mass produce goods in a large quantities. These quantities saturated the home markets and needed new outlets. Forced the indigenous people to wear western wear.

III. POLITICAL Nationalism—prestige for a nation could not be great without its colonies. Nationalists argued that colonies added to their nation’s strength and prestige. Recently unified nations (Germany and Italy) wanted to catch up to long-time colonial powers. Gave cause to build up armies and navies. Restless nationalism-people w/ a common culture wanting to be their own nation (causing problems for the Euro ruler)

Increased population—caused unemployment people looking for job opportunities .Nationalists wanted people to settle and populate colonies, instead of other countries. Wealthy landowners could send a useless son to set up a family stake.

After 1870 Europe and the U.S. experienced new industrial growth

2 answer the following questions:

1) What effect would industrialization have on a nation’s resources after several decades?

Nations were beginning to deplete natural resources and had to find other sources/areas with those types of natural resources.

2) What steps might a nation take to solve these problems?

Laws could be put in place that would put quotas on output.

3) How might population growth during the Industrial Revolution been related to establishment of colonies?

If the European country became to overcrowded people could migrate to a colony.

Missionaries—peace and trust

Businessmen—economics

Army—control and protection for the motherland country people

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