Copy_of_Imperialism.pptx

Imperialism Notes

What is Imperialism?

A policy aimed at extending a country's power and influence over weaker nations, often through military conquest, colonization, or economic domination.

Key Terms Related:

• Colonialism: Establishing control over foreign territories and their populations.

• Expansionism: The policy of territorial or economic expansion beyond a country's borders, often justified by nationalism or a belief in superiority.

Effects of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution significantly accelerated economic development in Europe and the United States, fundamentally transforming global trade and relationships.

• Shifted Perceptions of Colonies: Colonies began to be viewed as essential markets for industrial goods and sources for raw materials necessary for continued industrial growth.

• The transition from mercantilism to imperialism reflected a deeper and more exploitative control over colonies, prioritizing profits over the welfare of local populations.

Where Did Imperialism Happen?

Major continents targeted for colonization included:

• Africa: Rich in resources such as rubber, ivory, and minerals.

• Asia: Home to vast populations and markets, particularly India and China.

• Latin America: Exploited for its agricultural products and raw minerals.

Principal Imperialist Countries Included:

• United States

• Various European Nations: Notably Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal, each vying for control and influence over strategic territories.

Reasons for Imperialism

Economic (GOLD)

• The Industrial Revolution drastically increased the demand for raw materials, leading to aggressive expansion into colonized regions.

• New markets were essential for selling surplus goods produced by industrial nations, driving the economic motives behind imperialism.

Glory (GLORY)

• Nationalism fostered intense competition among nations for new territories, with colonies perceived as symbols of a nation’s power and prestige in the global arena.

• Colonial conquests often served to distract from domestic issues.

Religion (GOD)

• The spread of Christianity was viewed as a divine obligation to 'civilize' indigenous populations, leading to missionary activities.

• While missionaries provided medicine and education, their presence sometimes disrupted traditional cultures and contributed to social harm and conflict.

Europeans in Africa

• Initial exploration efforts focused on mapping Africa’s rivers, mountains, and overall terrain to facilitate trade routes and resource extraction.

• Missionaries frequently followed explorers with the intent of converting native populations and combating practices such as slavery.

• Military forces were deployed in response to African resistance, leading to significant conflict and loss of life.

Key Concepts: "Gold, God, and Glory" as Motivations for Imperialism

These concepts encapsulated the driving forces behind the scramble for colonies.

The Berlin Conference

In the 1880s, European powers competed fiercely for African territory.

• 1884: A conference led by Otto von Bismarck resulted in the partitioning of Africa without any African representation.

• 14 European nations and the U.S. participated, formalizing control over vast regions of the continent, which led to arbitrary divisions of ethnic and cultural groups.

The Scramble for Africa

This period (1880-1900) witnessed rapid colonization, resulting in:

• 1850: Small coastal colonies on Africa's western and eastern shores.

• By 1914: Ethiopia and Liberia were the only independent nations left as others fell under foreign control.

Nationalism in Africa

• As the oppressive nature of imperialism became apparent, various tribes began to unite against European powers, fostering a pan-African identity and resistance movements.

Economic Impact of Imperialism in Africa

• Transition from subsistence farming to cash cropping altered traditional agricultural practices, leading to dependency on cash crops for export.

• Established plantations and mining operations relied heavily on local labor while often undermining local economies and ecosystems.

• European domination over local markets led to significant economic exploitation and the extraction of wealth from the continent.

Political Impact of Imperialism in Africa

• The imposition of colonial governance replaced traditional leadership structures, eroding local authority and cultural practices.

• The diminished power of tribal leaders contributed to the fragmentation of tribes, weakening their collective resistance.

• Widespread resistance often resulted in violent confrontations, shaping the political landscape of colonized regions.

Cultural Impact of European Imperialism in Africa

• The introduction of Christianity and Western education systems led to enduring changes in language, culture, and family structures.

• Racism

• Despite efforts to promote ‘civilization’, colonial rule often fostered resentment and resistance, contributing to enduring social and racial divisions.

Europeans in India

• European colonies first competed for colonies in India

• By the 1600s, European powers, particularly Britain, sought to expand trade relations through the British East India Company.

• By the 1850s: The EICo controlled over 60% of India, steadily consolidating power and influence.

East India Company (EICo)

• The EICo played a significant role in introducing infrastructure improvements such as schools, railways for enhanced transport, and peacekeeping among local leaders.

• However, the exploitation of India's rich resources was prevalent, prioritizing profits over the needs of the local populace.

Sepoy Rebellion

• Triggered by the introduction of new rifle cartridges believed to be greased with animal fat, this was particularly offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

• Resulted in a violent uprising against British rule, leading to brutal British retaliations and significant loss of life on both sides.

Effects of the Sepoy Rebellion

• The uprising marked the end of EICo’s rule, with control shifting to the British Parliament in 1858.

Political Impact in India

• Following the rebellion, colonial governors and viceroys were established to oversee local administration, though some regions remained under local Indian rulers (rajas).

Economic Impact in India

• The British colonial policies led to significant disruptions of local textile and salt markets, causing widespread starvation and economic decline due to exploitation.

Cultural Impact in India

• The imposition of new languages and educational systems facilitated a gradual transformation, creating a rise in Indian national identity while disrupting traditional cultures.

Europeans in China

• The introduction of the opium trade by Britain in the 1880s led to significant conflicts and social problems within Chinese society.

• The Opium War (1840) resulted in British dominance over trade in China, fundamentally altering China’s economy and sovereignty.

Effects of the Opium War

• The war's conclusion ushered in the Open Door Policy, granting equal trading rights for all foreign nations operating in China.

Spheres of Influence in China

• Areas controlled by foreign powers operated under foreign laws rather than Chinese law, leading to internal strife as resources were heavily exploited by these foreign entities.

The Boxer Rebellion

• A 1900 uprising against imperialism and foreign influence in China, led by a secret society of martial artists known as the Boxers.

• The rebellion concluded in defeat after a two-month siege, highlighting the deep fractures within Chinese society and their resistance to foreign domination.