Imperialism_Review

What is Imperialism?

• Domination by a powerful nation over the political, economic, and cultural affairs of another nation.

• Often motivated by racial, ethnic, or cultural bias.

• Two waves of imperialism:

  • 1500s-1600s

  • 1800s-1920s

Forms of Imperial Rule: Direct Rule

• Sending officials and soldiers to administer colonies, impose culture, and create provinces.

• Example: French in Southeast Asia.

Forms of Imperial Rule: Indirect Rule

• Utilizes local rulers (“rule through and by the natives”).

• Encouraged Western education for local ruling class to groom a generation of leaders favoring imperial rule.

• Protectorates are often established.

• Cost-effective and less military presence required.

• Example: English in India.

Background

• The Industrial Revolution resulted in stronger economies and advantages.

• Great Britain, Germany, France, and Italy developed strong centrally governed nation-states.

Economic Causes

• Manufacturers sought access to natural resources (rubber, petroleum, manganese, palm oil).

• Desire for new markets to sell products.

• Bankers wanted investment opportunities.

• Offered a valuable outlet for Europe’s growing population (new jobs).

• Wealth found in gold and diamonds.

• Example: Prison population in Great Britain increased leading to transportation to South Africa and Australia.

Political Causes

• Strategic Military Advantage: Bases for steam-powered ships needed around the world.

• Competition among nations for territories (e.g., France in West Africa triggered British and German actions).

• Colonies viewed as necessary for national security and prestige.

• Nationalism incited pride in one's nation.

• Declining African and Asian Empires (Mughal in India, Ottomans in North Africa, effects of slave trade in West Africa, Qing in China).

Religious/Ideological Causes

• Spreading Christianity.

• Spread of European culture (civilizing mission).

• Social Darwinism beliefs influenced perspectives.

Facing Criticism At Home

• Anti-imperialists viewed colonialism as a tool of the wealthy and/or immoral.

• Contrast in pursuing democracy at home while imposing undemocratic rule abroad.

Social Darwinism

• Misapplication of Darwin’s theories to support the notion of racial superiority of the West (U.S. and Europe).

• This belief falsely claimed that domination of weaker races was natural and justified.

• Rooted in racism and White Supremacy, not scientific facts.

Western Exceptionalism

• Pre-industrial perspectives respected non-Western powers; after industrialization, viewed them as primitive or threatening.

• Racialized stereotypes emerged, depicting less developed areas as "children" closer to nature.

• Used flawed scientific racism to rank races, with white considered superior.

• Growing unfounded fears of biological influences from other races.

Effects of Imperialism

Short Term

• Large numbers of Africans came under European rule.

• Local economies became reliant on industrialized nations.

• Introduction of changes to meet imperialist challenges.

• Improvements in transportation, education, and medical care.

• Resistance to domination evolved into nationalist movements.

• Significant loss of native life.

• Spread of Western culture.

• Disruption of traditional political units.

• Famines due to cash crop focus for export rather than local needs.

Long Term

• Continued influence of Western culture globally.

• Economies dependent on single cash crops for export.

• Introduction of new crops and products to the West.

• New cultural influences for Westerners.

• Increased conflicts among imperial powers, sometimes leading to war.

• Industrial nations controlled a new global economy.