Economic Imperialism and Migration Overview

Economic Imperialism (1750-1900)

  • Scope: Economic imperialism was primarily practiced by industrialized states in Asia and Latin America.

  • Economic Advantage: European and U.S. merchants gained a distinct advantage through organized trade in specific commodities.

Resource Exploitation

  • Key Resources: Commonly exploited resources included opium, bananas, and labor.

Opium Trade

  • British Trade Deficit: Britain faced a trade deficit with China, which was addressed by selling opium.

  • Impact: Widespread addiction in China led to the Opium Wars.

Causes of the First Opium War (1839-1842)

  • Lin Zexu's destruction of opium sparked conflict.

  • China enforced anti-opium measures, leading to failed negotiations.

  • Resulted in British victory and forced treaties.

Second Opium War

  • Resulted in further concessions from China and highlighted weaknesses in the Qing dynasty.

  • Marked the beginning of China's "Century of Humiliation."

Open Door Policy

  • US proposed the Open Door Policy to prevent the division of China while promoting equal trade rights.

Banana Republics

  • Definition: Politically unstable countries heavily reliant on a single export, often influenced by foreign powers.

  • Example: US economic imperialism in Central America, particularly related to banana exports.

Economic Imperialism in Hawaii

  • History: American businessmen established a presence in Hawaii, leading to the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani and annexation by the US.

Migration Patterns (1750-1900)

  • Definition of Migration: Movement of people with the intent to settle, either temporarily or permanently.

  • Influences on Migration:

    • Economic motivations

    • Demographic changes

    • Advances in transportation technology

    • Social and political conditions

Push and Pull Factors

  • Push Factors: Conditions that drive emigration (e.g., famine, war).

  • Pull Factors: Opportunities attracting immigrants (e.g., jobs, freedom).

Transportation Advances

  • Technologies like steamships and railways transformed movement patterns, facilitating migration.

Types of Labor Migration

  • Four major categories of labor migration: forced, semi-coerced, voluntary, and involuntary.

Key Terms (To Know)

  • Economic Imperialism

  • Opium Wars

  • Open Door Policy

  • Banana Republics

  • Migration