15.1 New Imperialism notes

The Age of Imperialism (1800–1914)

Lesson 1: The New Imperialism

  • Explains political, economic, and social causes of European imperialism.

  • Discusses technology and factors aiding spread of imperialism.

  • Describes characteristics of imperial rule.

  • Summarizes cultural, political, and social effects of imperialism.

Definitions

  • Imperialism: Policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

  • Protectorate: A state that is controlled and protected by another.

  • Sphere of Influence: A region where a particular country has exclusive rights in trade and investment.

Motivations for the New Imperialism

  • Economic: Need for raw materials (rubber, petroleum, manganese) and markets for manufactured goods driven by the Industrial Revolution.

  • Cultural Superiority: Belief in the need to spread civilization; dominance of what was perceived as "weaker races".

Political and Military Causes

  • Requirement for bases for steam-powered ships.

  • Nationalism: Expansion by one country triggering reactions from others.

  • Humanitarian and Religious Motives: Duty to provide medicine, law, and Christianity to "unfortunate" peoples.

Social Darwinism’s Impact

  • Application of Darwin's idea of natural selection to human society, promoting racial superiority.

Western Imperialism Spreads Rapidly

  • Timeframe: 1870 to 1914, marked by rapid territorial gains.

  • Participants: Soldiers, merchants, settlers, missionaries, explorers contribute to expansion.

Factors Supporting Expansion

  • Vulnerable Non-Western States:

    • Declining civilizations (e.g., Ottomans, Mughals).

    • Weakened kingdoms in West Africa due to internal strife and slave trade.

  • Western Advantages:

    • Established economies, central governments, military strength, advanced technology.

    • Use of modern weapons and strategies to exploit local rivalries.

Resistance to Imperialism

  • European military frequently overpowered resisting forces.

  • Emergence of nationalist movements led by Western-educated colonists.

  • Critique: Small anti-imperialist sentiment regarding costs and ethical concerns.

Types of Imperial Rule

  • Direct Rule: French officials manage colonies directly.

  • Indirect Rule: British governance using local rulers under British laws.

  • Protectorates: Local leaders remain but follow European advice; cheaper and less military presence required.

  • Spheres of Influence: Exclusive control in trade, especially noted in China and Latin America.

Effects of Imperialism

  • Cultural Changes: Imposition of Western values and displacement of traditional cultures.

  • Political Changes: Artificial boundaries causing ethnic tensions and conflicts.

  • Economic Changes:

    • Implementation of profit-driven colonial administrations.

    • Shift to cash crop agriculture, affecting local economies and standards of living.

    • Local populations forced into labor to access cash.

  • Social and Cultural Changes: Missionary influence led to adoption of certain Western ideals; a blend of admiration and resistance to change.