Modern World History H - Imperialism unit

Driving forces behind European imperialism in Africa (list at least 3, be able to explain why)

Nationalism, status, money, resources, military power, racism, religion, industrialization, territory.

The white man’s burden

A faulty term used by European imperialists/colonizers to emphasize they were actually doing something good for the Africa nations colonized, bringing “civilization” and innovation. They claimed that what they were doing was volunteer work, with social Darwinism also helping back up this belief.

Social Darwinism

The belief (practiced by European colonizers to justify colonization) that one race or ethnicity is superior to another (natural selection), similar to Darwin’s discoveries as the father of biology… but it was now applied to humans.

The Berlin conference

A conference held by 14 European nations (France, Great, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Germany) that intended to resolve territorial disputes in Africa, particularly among its colonizers. It worked so that, if you had enough power and could prove you “deserved” the land (through treaties and things of such), you were able to claim it as yours. The meeting had no actual African leaders, and their choice had no regard as to how the residents of these colonies might feel. Essentially, Africa was cut into parts and each got a slice, similar to a cake.

Shaka Zulu

A very important figure in the history of African resistance to European imperialism. Shaka, who got his name from a made up parasite that his father used to not be blamed for getting a woman of another tribe pregnant, was treated badly and eventually kicked out of his tribe once he grew older. He then went to a nearby tribe and trained for many years, becoming a powerful warrior and great military leader, eventually taking over his old tribe and helping lead them to fight the British, who aimed to take their land.

The Boer war

The Boer war was a conflict among Dutch farmers and the British about who would get South Africa and its gold and diamonds. As the British attempted to push them off, Boer guerrillas were formed. This led to the British using drastic measures to defeat these farmers, such as scorched Earth tactics and concentration camps (additionally, the British were the ones to actually invent them, as mentioned here).

King Leopold II

History’s deadliest King; responsible for the Congolese genocide which killed around 10 million of Congo’s population from 1885-1908. He ended up not even being punished for such awful acts, and was instead compensated with 50 million franks once he stepped down as king.

“Jewel in the crown of the British empire”

India was referred as this under British control because of many benefits that come with owning India (for the British), such as economic value (from natural reserves), large population (enlarged market & made many Indian soldiers), strategic location (Very big coastline that made trading easier, and a symbol of imperial power (owning such a big nation increased status)

Sphere of influence

An area of a country that a foreign country has power and control over (e.g. Bengal, India, due to the East India Company)

Sepoy Munity (Rebellion)

The Sepoy Rebellion was a revolt that Indian soldiers (Sepoys) had against the British East India Company. Sparked by a rumor that rifle cartridges were greased with animal fat, which deeply offended Muslim and Hindu beliefs). Soldiers began to not handle cartridges The British empire responded to this by sending their army to “take care” of the situation, where they took over India as a whole and made it an official colony under them through the company.

Western Imperialism in Japan (effects)

After being threatened by America over a trading agreement, the Japanese government accepted, even if hesitant about their impact on their people & culture. This led to them becoming modernized and developed as the western world introduced industrialization to Japan. Ultimately, the nation adopted aspects of western culture & government, becoming a world power and even going as far as defeating Russia, another world power at the time. The nation grows into an empire led by Emperor Meiji.

Western Imperialism in China (effects)

While China was not threatened by the UK due to having more “good” resources than them (trading advantage), they still refused the trade unless extremely specific criteria were followed, as they believed that no good could ever come out of trading with he western world. This led to the nation weakening economically, and eventually military-wise (once England starts to sell Chinese people opium, a highly addictive drug). As they continued to refuse to adopt any aspects of western civilization, they continued to lose many wars & territory. It was only after both Opium wars that China finally surrendered and attempted to learn from them.