Responses to Western Superialism

Responses to Western Superialism

Wars of Imperialism

The Opium Wars

  • Conflict:

    • China fights to stop England from importing opium.

  • Outcome:

    • England wins easy victories in both wars.

    • England gains control of Hong Kong.

    • China is divided into spheres of influence controlled by various European powers.

Boer War in South Africa

  • Participants:

    • Former Dutch farmers, known as Boers, fight against the British.

  • Outcome:

    • British victory leads to the Cape Colony coming under British control.

    • African independence movements are crushed during this period.

Russo-Japanese War

  • Conflict:

    • Japan and Russia fight over territory in Korea and Manchuria.

  • Outcome:

    • Japan wins surprisingly against Russia.

    • The United States negotiates a treaty to end the conflict.

Spanish-American War

  • Conflict:

    • The United States fights Spain over colonies and territory.

  • Outcome:

    • The United States wins and takes control of the Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Significant Rebellions

Sepoy Rebellion

  • Participants:

    • Sepoys, or Indian soldiers, rebel against the British East India Company.

  • Outcome:

    • Britain puts down the rebellion and takes over direct control of India.

Boxer Rebellion

  • Participants:

    • Chinese groups express anger over foreign influence in their country.

  • Outcome:

    • Rebellion is suppressed by the "Eight Nation Alliance."

    • China is forced to pay massive reparations.

Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy

  • Background:

    • US sugar plantations in Hawaii become very valuable.

    • Queen Liliuokalani threatens to take them under Hawaiian control.

  • Outcome:

    • The United States sends an envoy to overthrow the monarchy and annex Hawaii.

Philippine-American War

  • Participants:

    • Filipinos are upset that the US did not grant them independence.

    • Emilio Aguinaldo leads a bloody conflict lasting 3 years.

  • Outcome:

    • The United States is victorious and maintains control over the Philippines until 1946.

Benefits of Imperialism

  • Economic Impact:

    • An influx of industrial goods occurs due to imperialism.

    • New jobs are created as industries build up.

    • Infrastructure is improved, including roads, railroads, and postal services.

Social Benefits

  • Education and Health:

    • Schools and universities are opened in colonized regions.

    • Better medicine and hospitals are introduced due to imperial efforts.