Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization - In Depth Notes

Nationalism and Imperialism

  • Definition of Nationalism: A belief by people linked by shared language, religion, or customs that they are inherently great, leading to desires for territorial expansion.
  • Contribution to Imperialism:
    • Nationalism increased competition among nations to build empires (1750-1900).

Social Darwinism

  • Definition: A misapplication of Darwin’s theory of evolution claiming that 'survival of the fittest' applies to human societies.
    • Led to beliefs of racial superiority over non-Western people, categorized as 'unfit.'
  • Impact on Imperialism:
    • Industrialized nations felt entitled to dominate 'less fit' nations based on this ideology.

Civilizing Mission

  • Concept: The belief that imperial powers had a duty to civilize conquered peoples, often through conversion to Christianity and education.
    • Notable slogan: “Kill the Indian in him to save the man.”

Belgian Congo

  • Transition of Control: King Leopold II's brutal exploitation led to the Belgian government taking over control from him due to public outcry over human rights abuses.

European Expansion Techniques

Diplomacy
  • Berlin Conference (1884-1885): Convened to manage competition over Africa amongst European powers, leading to arbitrary borders without African input.
  • British Royal Niger Company: Used contracts with local chiefs to establish control while promising autonomy.
Warfare
  • Boer Wars: Conflicts between British and Dutch settlers in South Africa, resulting in significant casualties and consolidation of British power over the region.

Settler Colonies

  • Settlements in Australia and New Zealand involved displacement of indigenous populations and introduction of diseases.
  • Manifest Destiny in the USA: Justification for westward expansion, resulting in indigenous land dispossession.

Russian Expansion

  • Russia expanded into Siberia and Central & Eastern Europe, promoting Pan-Slavism to unite Slavic peoples under its rule.

Japan's Industrialization

  • The Meiji Restoration allowed Japan to expand its influence in Asia, particularly over Korea and parts of China.

Economic Imperialism

  • Definition: Control over another nation via economic means, impacting global economies favorably for industrialized nations.
  • British Opium Trade: Addressed trade imbalances with China, leading to the First Opium War and the Treaty of Nanjing, which benefitted British economic interests.
  • Instability in China: Wars and internal rebellions allowed for Western spheres of influence.

The Role of Economic Factors in Global Development

  • United Fruit Company in Latin America: Built infrastructure in exchange for land use, exemplifying economic imperialism by securing control over resources.
  • Export Economies: Focused on resource extraction for metropolitan countries, reflecting economic dependency.

Migration Influences

  • Demographic Changes: Population growth in Europe caused migration to urban areas for job opportunities.
  • Transportation Advancements: Railroads and steamships facilitated large-scale migrations.

Labor Migration Types

  • Indentured Servitude: Contracted labor primarily of Indians and Chinese who suffered poor conditions.
  • Convict Labor: In colonies like Australia, convicts were sent for labor in imperial projects.

Societal Effects of Migration

  • Increased male migration led to gender imbalances in home countries, pushing women into new societal roles.
  • Formation of ethnic enclaves in receiving societies, such as Chinatowns, enhanced community support among immigrants.

Resistance to Imperialism

  • Civilizing Mission Backlash: Enlightenment ideas inspired resistance against Imperialism through increased nationalism and demands for self-rule.
  • Nativism: Prejudice against migrants based on ethnic or racial backgrounds, leading to laws limiting immigration, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Examples of Resistance Movements

  • Yaa Asantewaa War: Asante Kingdom resisted British control, exemplifying direct resistance.
  • Cherokee Nation: Attempted to maintain sovereignty and cultural identity despite forced relocation.
  • Religious-Influenced Rebellions: Such as the Xhosa Cattle Killing Movement, showing the intertwining of spiritual beliefs and resistance efforts against colonial powers.

Conclusion

  • The period of 1750-1900 saw complex interactions of imperialism, economic interests, nationalism, and responses leading to significant societal changes and modifications to global geopolitics.