Syllabus_Imperialism

Origins of Imperialism, Industry, and Colonialism

Definition of Terms

• Imperialism: A central component of European foreign policy in the 19th century; a more structured and state-managed approach to overseas acquisition compared to colonialism.

• Colonialism: A decentralized process established with royal approval, characterized by limited state-management and focused on establishing overseas possessions.

Context of Colonialism

• European colonization (1500s-1600s) was primarily managed by joint-stock companies aiming for economic benefit.

  • Example: Spain's financial troubles in the 1600s due to weak royal oversight in the Americas.

  • The English government exercised a hands-off approach in establishing early colonial domains.

  • France encouraged the settlement of its North American colonies without significant royal intervention.

• Traditional colonialism involved limited cultural change imposed on native populations.

  • Example: Puritan settlement in New England aimed at religious freedom, not directed by the English crown.

• Jesuit missionaries in East Asia and India during the 1500s-1600s engaged in trade but did not force conversions.

Transition to Imperialism

• Imperialism leveraged technological advancements, enabling more direct state involvement in colonies via:

  • Steam-powered ships and locomotives.

  • Rapid communication through the telegraph.

• Governments planned, financed, and managed colonial projects while promoting assimilation to European culture.

  • The conversion of colonized peoples to Christianity became widespread, aiming for complete cultural assimilation.

• Imperialism contrasted with colonialism in intentions; it sought to establish colonies as consumer markets for European products.

Motivations Behind Imperialism

• Early 19th-century events prompted renewed efforts toward colonial dominance, including:

  • France’s loss of New France and Saint-Domingue.

  • Spanish turmoil following Napoleon’s invasion, leading to independence movements across Latin America.

  • British expansions and increased focus on India for resources to support the textile industry and opium production for export to China.

The Role of David Livingstone

• David Livingstone: A Scottish doctor/missiowinary driven by Christian evangelism and the anti-slavery movement; advocated for exploring Africa to provide medicine and Christian faith.

  • Initially limited European exploration of Africa’s interior due to assumptions of its aridity and resource scarcity.

  • Described Africa as the "dark continent," a reflection of minimal European knowledge and prevailing racial attitudes.

  • His expeditions (1854-1856) opened the African interior to further exploration despite the risks of local diseases.

Livingstone’s Impact on Exploration

• Livingstone charted crucial topographies and received commendations for his contributions.

  • However, he lost contact with the outside world in the late 1860s, generating public concern and intrigue.

• His disappearance led to a quest by journalist Henry Morton Stanley, funded by the New York Herald, heightening interest in Africa.

  • Stanley located Livingstone in 1871 with the famous greeting, highlighting the intense public fascination surrounding their encounter.

Consequences of the Livingstone-Stanley Affair

• The interest generated by Livingstone's journey and Stanley’s subsequent exploits spurred European powers toward significant colonization efforts in Africa by the late 19th century.

  • Enabled by new technologies such as the maxim machine gun and advances in medical knowledge.

• Growing European notions of racial superiority fueled the desire for imperialism, resulting in widespread colonization and deep disruptions to African societies.