Study Notes on Imperialism

Introduction to the Age of Imperialism

  • Focus of chapters 26 and 27.

  • Timeframe: Approximately 1850 - 1914.

  • Origin of the term "Imperium": Latin for absolute or supreme power.

Definition of Imperialism

  • Imperialism: The practice where a stronger nation extends its power and influence over weaker nations by conquering territory and gaining economic and political control.

Reasons for Imperialism

  • Desire for Wealth: Nations seek to increase their wealth.

  • Resources: Aimed at acquiring natural resources.

  • Strategic Advantage: Gain strategic military or political advantages.

Results of Imperialism

  • Domination: Stronger nations dominate weaker ones.

  • Exploitation: People and resources in less developed areas are exploited.

Historical Context of Imperialism

  • When?

    • Old Imperialism (1450 - 1800, before the Industrial Revolution):

    • Key Focus: Trade in goods such as spices, cotton, sugar, and tobacco.

    • Motto: “God, Glory, Gold”, exemplified by Conquistadores conquering the Aztec and Inca civilizations in the Americas.

    • New Imperialism (1870 - 1914, after the Industrial Revolution):

    • Focus: Need for industrial raw materials like cotton, minerals, rubber, and oil.

    • Conquests: Large-scale territorial conquests in Africa and Asia.

Industrialization and New Imperialism

  • 1800s Context: European factories during the Industrial Revolution required vast natural resources.

    • While Europe had ample coal and iron, it was deficient in essential raw materials such as cotton, rubber, and oil.

Colonial Aims

  • Industrial nations aimed to colonize areas rich in these natural resources without compensating the native populations.

  • Resources extracted from colonies were shipped back to Europe to be turned into finished products.

Finished Products

  • Examples of finished products include textiles, machinery, and other manufactured goods.

  • Process: Finished products were sent back to the colonies where the colonists were obligated to purchase them; they could not trade with other nations due to restrictions from the mother country.

Economic Impact of Colonies

  • Greater number of colonies directly translated to increased wealth for imperial nations.

The Extent of British Imperialism

  • Quote: “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”.

  • As of 1920, the British Empire encompassed approximately 13.71 million square miles, accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s land area!