6.2: State Expansion

Essential Question: By what processes did state power shift in various parts of the world between 1750 and 1900?

Key Terms:

• Colonialism - establishing colonies for social/economic gain, involved displacement of indigenous populations, imposition of European political and economic systems and extraction of resources

• Imperialism - domination and control of other countries. Led to subjugation of native populations, exploitation of resources, and suppression of native cultures.

• Industrialization - led to growth of capitalist economies and expansion of trade and commerce and emergence of new social classes and new economic/political power

African Imperialism

• Britain, France, Belgium, and more engaged in imperialism in Africa, involved colonization and domination of continent

• exploitation of African resources

• suppression of local cultures and traditions

• the Scramble for Africa was a period of intense competition among European powers (major aspect of Imperialism)

British Control of Egypt:

in 1882, Britain invaded and occupied Egypt.

• Suez Canal - wanted by Britain. Connected Mediterranean Sea to Red Sea, allowing ships to bypass the long and dangerous trip along Southern Tip of Africa

• British West Africa - 19th century, Britain established colonies and imposed their systems on all of their territories

• French Rule in Africa - began late 19th century, characterized by centralization, a strong military presence and forced assimilation of the people

Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 - Key event in the scramble for Africa. It established rules for the partition of Africa among European powers. Also established the principle of “effective occupation”, which meant that a power could claim control over a territory if they could show effective control over it and hold the territory.

Imperialism in Asia

• Britain had control with military conquest and economic domination

• 1757, British East India Company defeated local ruler at battle of Plassey, marked beginning of British control in India. Continued to impose their systems in India.

• the legacy of European powers’ control over countries in Asia continues to shape the political policy and economy of Asia today

United States Imperialism in Latin America and the Pacific during 1750-1900 involved the expansion of American influence and control over the region thru military force, political pressure, and economic domination

China maintained their gov, European nations carved out spheres of influence. Chinese were forced to sign treaties. Internal problems w/ Qing government such as Tai Ping Rebellion made it easier for foreign countries to dominate economic affairs of China

6.4: Global Economic Development

Essential Question: How did environmental factors contribute to the global economy between 1750 and 1900?

• Export Economies - significant growth and development during 1750-1900. Due to factors such as technological advancements, population growth, and more trade and investment.

Technological Developments from this time:

• railroads

• telegraph

• Cecil Rhodes (business man who helped with above inventions)

• steamships and the steam engine

Agricultural Developments:

• mechanization - new tools and machinery

• crop varieties, greater yields

• enclosure movements - small plots into large farms

• infrastructure facilitated transport of goods

Common Raw Material Exports:

• cotton: most important !!!! From USA and India

• rubber from South America, Southeast Asia and Africa

• palm oil from West Africa and Southeast Asia

• Copper and tin were in high demand

• Ivory, minerals, diamonds, from Africa

These resources led to colonization because Europe sought to exploit countries for their natural resources to support their own economies

Global Consequences of Industrialization:

• growth and development of export economies → creation of social hierarchy where working class got poorer and controllers of production got more wealth and power

• new tech and innovations, led to an increase in efficiency and productivity

• over-exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, soil erosion, other environmental degradation

• loss of sovereignty and cultural heritage for many colonized people

• focus on cash crops → displacement of native communities

• institutionalization of racial segregation and discrimination

• increased flow of information