Copy of Copy of Unit 6 Part 1_ Imperialism

Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization, 1750 - 1900

  • Focus on Imperialism, Resistance to Imperialism, and Migration.

Introduction

  • Unit 5 discussed the Industrial Revolution.

  • Significant consequence: emergence of Western Imperialism.

  • Primary focus of Unit 6: New Western Empire building and resulting resistance movements.

Unit 6 Breakdown

  • 6.1: Rationales for Imperialism (p. 367-374)

    • Numerous motives for empire building.

  • 6.2: State Expansion (p. 375-387)

    • European domination in various regions.

  • 6.3: Indigenous Responses to State Expansion (p. 388-398)

    • Conflicts and rebellions against European expansion.

  • 6.4/6.5: Global Economic Developments & Economic Imperialism (p. 399-417)

    • Industrialization in newly dominated colonies; economic control methods.

  • 6.6/6.7: Migration and its Effect on Societies (p. 417-438)

Overview of Western Imperialism (1750-1900)

  • Cecil Rhodes epitomizes the imperial ambition in Africa.

Concept of Imperialism

  • Definition: Building of empire, extending political control over vast territories.

  • Historical context:

    • Empire building is not a new concept; seen in Roman, Greek, Mongol, etc.

European Empire Building (1500-1900)

  • Begins around 1500, continues until about 1900.

  • European nations pursuing territorial expansion following the Dark Ages.

  • By 1750, a historical distinction arises between "Old Imperialism" and "New Imperialism."

Phases of European Imperialism (1500-1950)

  • Old Imperialism (1500-1750)

    • Nations: Portugal, Spain, France, British, Dutch.

    • Expansion mainly in the western hemisphere; limited success in the East.

  • New Imperialism (1750-1950)

    • Dominant nation: Great Britain; new arrivals include the U.S., Germany, and Japan.

    • Global expansion leads to a lack of safety for any region against European influence.

Economic Priorities and Methods of Imperialism

  • Old Imperialism (1500-1750):

    • Focus on mercantilism, resource extraction (precious metals, plantation economies).

    • Direct colonial rule.

  • New Imperialism (1750-1950):

    • Capitalism; need for new markets to sell excess goods.

    • Indirect rule through local authorities; emergence of economic imperialism.

Methods of Imperialism

  • Colonial Imperialism: Full territorial control via conquest; direct rule.

  • Economic Imperialism: Using trade agreements to exert dominion without direct conquest (ex. China, 1850).

  • Political Imperialism: Maintaining local rulers but ensuring loyalty (indirect rule).

  • Socio-cultural Imperialism: Spreading Western culture and ideas through conversion.

Continuities: What Stayed the Same?

  • Motives: wealth, land, power, resources, etc.

  • Use of military force or threat to achieve imperial goals.

  • Exploitation of colonies; rebellion against conquered nations.

  • Spread of European culture and religion, particularly Christianity.

Why the Change? Why the Shift Around 1750?

  • Critical to explain why imperialism changed over time, rather than just listing changes.

Causes of Change in Imperialism (1750)

  • Cause 1: The Industrial Revolution

    • Enabled industrialized nations to conquer previously unconquerable regions; advanced weaponry.

    • Growing demand for resources and markets drove imperial expansion, especially in resource-rich areas.

  • Cause 2: Nationalism

    • Rising national pride and superiority led to a desire for territorial expansion.

    • Reinforced by racist ideologies and Social Darwinism; belief in European supremacy and "White Man’s Burden."

Jules Ferry's Argument for Imperial Expansion (1884)

  • Justification of racial superiority and colonial duty towards "inferior races."

  • Expansion for national security through safe harbors and naval bases.

Similarities in Imperial Motives

  • Similarity to others: Based on Nationalism and Social Darwinism.

  • Example: Ferry's concern for France's strength similar to other imperial powers seeking global dominance.

Context of Racial Policies in India and Africa

  • Historical perspective of English actions in India compared to Dutch in Indonesia.

  • Creation of social distances and separation in both regions leading to tension and resistance.

Summary of Opium Wars and Effects on Imperialism

  • Opium Wars: Introduction of opium and subsequent conflicts marked a crucial point in Western imperialistic tactics against China.

  • Treaty of Nanking (1842): End of the Canton System; British extraterritorial rights established, leading to significant trade imbalances.

Important Events in China and India

  • Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864): Civil war weakening the Qing government, resulting in foreign involvement and increased imperial benefits for Western powers.

  • British Dominance in India: Establishment of British East India Company leading to indirect rule, finally resulting in a direct British government rule post-Sepoy Rebellion.

Late 19th Century Factors in Africa

  • Late 1800s: Diverse African states evolving under the strain of European encroachment.

  • Partition of Africa (1880-1914): A two-fold increase in European control (from 10% to nearly all regions) facilitated by the Berlin Conference.