Recording-2025-03-07T18:00:34.553Z

Overview of New Imperialism

• New High Imperialism refers to the later stages of European colonialism, characterized by direct control over territories and a desire for global influence.

• This period saw a shift in how interactions between colonizers and local populations occurred.

Historical Context

• The lecture begins with a discussion of the Reciprocity Treaty between the US and the Hawaiian Kingdom, leading to increasing American influence in Hawaii.

• Key Figures: King Kalakaua favored US support, while Queen Emma preferred British alliances.

• American missionaries and their descendants, such as Lauren Thurston and Stanford Dole, moved to Hawaii, seeking economic opportunities.

The Hawaiian League and Annexation

• Formation of the Hawaiian League (1887): Aimed to increase American influence and control in Hawaii.

  • Sought to establish a constitutional monarchy and limited voting rights to property owners.

  • King Kalakaua was pressured into signing the Bayonet Constitution, reducing royal powers in favor of the cabinet.

• The League redefined itself as the Committee of Safety, pushing for annexation to the US, ultimately leading to Hawaii becoming a US territory under President McKinley.

Themes of New Imperialism

• Marked by a shift towards more aggressive colonial practices as seen in the experiences of both Hawaii and the Philippines.

• New Imperialism involved expanded military capabilities, with larger military forces engaging in colonization efforts.

  • Notably, the military development greatly influenced Western interactions with local populations.

• The emphasis on racial superiority was pronounced during this period, as Western powers justified their imperial efforts through ideas of cultural superiority.

The Role of Education and Cultural Exchange

• There was an increased push for Western education among the educated elites of colonized nations, reinforcing Western superiority.

• Nationalist movements emerged, wherein leaders like Mohandas Gandhi combined Western principles with indigenous traditions to fight for independence.

  • Gandhi’s methodology of non-violent protest highlighted the merging of Western awareness with Indian cultural identity.

The Philippines Experience

• The Philippines transitioned from Spanish control to American oversight after the Spanish-American War.

• Key Figures: José Rizal utilized literature to advocate for independence; Emilio Aguinaldo led guerrilla warfare against American forces.

  • Strategies utilized by American forces included controlled movement of Filipino civilians, akin to concentration camps, highlighting the brutal tactics of the period.

• Casualties in Conflict: The American victory came at a steep cost for Filipinos, with estimated deaths ranging from 200,000 to 1 million.

Racism and Rhetoric in Imperialism

• The lecture highlighted the pervasive use of racist imagery and language used to justify imperial actions.

• Publications like Judge and Puck showcased satirical cartoons that mocked the colonized people under American rule.

• Uncle Sam was depicted as a caretaker, reinforcing racist ideologies regarding the supposed need for Western intervention in "inferior" cultures.

Conclusion

• New High Imperialism marked a significant change in colonial practices, emphasizing exploitative relationships, military coercion, and racist ideologies across Asia and the Pacific.

• The interactions between Western powers and local populations reshaped social dynamics and established longstanding legacies of inequality and resistance.