6.3

Second Wave of Imperialism Resistance

Introduction to Resistance Movements

  • Discussion about the consequences of colonial intrusion and resistance against imperialism.

  • Emphasizes that understanding resistance is crucial as it goes beyond just acknowledging imperial takeovers.

  • Sets the tone for exploring causes and specific examples of resistance.

Causes of Anti-Colonial Resistance

  • Political Authority Questions

    • Reaction against imperial norms facilitated by western-style education which incorporated Enlightenment ideas.

    • Notable Enlightenment concepts:

      • Popular Sovereignty: The idea that the legitimacy of a government depends on the consent of its people.

      • The Social Contract: Philosophical theory asserting that individuals give up certain freedoms in exchange for societal security.

    • Educated individuals in colonial territories began to question imperial power, leading to resistance.

    • Resistance did not rely solely on western education; indigenous thoughts and beliefs also fueled opposition.

  • Growing Nationalism

    • Nationalism served dual purposes: it not only motivated imperialist nations but also engendered a spirit of resistance among colonized peoples.

    • Imposition of foreign language and culture acted as a catalyst for indigenous nationalism, spurring the desire for self-governance and independence.

Examples of Resistance Against Imperial Intrusion

  • Direct Military Resistance

    • Indigenous peoples utilized arms and organized rebellions against imperial powers.

    • Examples of notable rebellions:

      • 1857 Rebellion in India: An uprising aiming to end British colonial rule.

      • Tupac Amaru's Rebellion in Peru: A rebellion against Spanish colonialists.

    • Yaa Asante War (War of the Golden Stool):

      • Context: British attempts to conquer the Ashanti Kingdom for gold access.

      • The Ashanti valued their Golden Stool as a symbol of their unity and authority.

      • Led by Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa, resistance involved mobilizing the population through shaming tactics (urging men to fight by implying women would take their place).

      • Outcome: Despite initial resistance, British military superiority ultimately prevailed, leading to British control over Ashanti territory.

  • Creation of New States

    • Formation of new states in response to colonial pressures:

      • Cherokee Nation: Emergence as a semi-autonomous government within U.S. territory amid westward expansion.

      • Historical Context: U.S. expansion following independence increasing conflicts with indigenous peoples.

      • Indian Removal Act of 1830: Congressional action that led to the forced relocation of the Cherokee people to Oklahoma.

      • By century's end, Cherokee sovereignty diminished due to further U.S. expansion, incorporating their lands into state governance.

  • Indigenous Religious Movements

    • Indigenous responses to colonialism often intertwined with spiritual or religious beliefs.

    • Kosa Cattle Killing Movement:

      • The Kosa people's spiritual conviction led to a prophecy that promised revival through sacrificial acts—slaughtering cattle to bring about new, healthy cattle and driving out Europeans.

      • Result: Killing of hundreds of thousands of cattle resulted in food shortages and facilitated further British territorial claims.

Conclusion

  • Emphasizes the complexity and multifaceted nature of resistance against imperialism.

  • Highlights how various motivations, including political, nationalist, and religious, shaped the actions and outcomes of resistance movements.