Unit 6: Imperialism, Economic Models, and Global Migration Patterns (1750–1900)
Imperial Spheres of Influence and Economic Imperialism
The Carving of China: Following the actions of initial imperial interests, other global powers rushed into China to establish their own presence. This resulted in China being divided into what became known as "spheres of influence."
Participating Powers in China: The nations involved in establishing these spheres included: * Japan * France * Germany * Russia * The United States
Definition of Spheres of Influence: Within these designated areas, each specific imperial power held exclusive trading rights, effectively monopolizing commerce within their particular sphere in China.
Global Economic Organization: Imperial powers restructured the economies of their various colonial holdings specifically to grant themselves a distinct economic advantage.
The Model of Economic Imperialism: Regardless of the specific power or the location colonized, the primary goal was to shape the colony's economy to serve the needs of the imperial country. This was almost always to the detriment of the colonial country's own economic health.
Specific Examples of Economic Restructuring: * The United States in Mexico and Cuba: The U.S. invested heavily in infrastructure within Mexico and Cuba. However, these investments were not intended for the benefit of Mexico or Cuba, but rather to serve United States interests. * British Cotton Production: The British dominated the growth of cotton in India and Egypt. This agricultural focus was mandated not for the sake of the Indian or Egyptian economies, but for the benefit of the British textile industry and economy.
Environmental and Economic Factors in Global Migration (–)
Context for Mass Migration: Massive migrations occurred during this period as a direct result of industrialization and globalization.
Primary Motivation for Migration: Historically and during this period, the fundamental reason for migration was the search for work.
Transition in Labor Systems: As slavery—the dominant labor system of the previous era—began to be replaced, new labor systems emerged to facilitate global production and migration. * Indentured Servitude: * Description: While not a new concept, indentured servitude grew significantly in prominence during this era. * Mechanism: A person would agree to work for a specific number of years in exchange for paid passage to a new location. * Outcome: After the term of the indenture was completed, the individual was free. * Social Impact: Many indentured servants chose to remain in their new countries after their service ended, which led to the creation of cultural or ethnic enclaves and the process of cultural diffusion. * Asian Contract Laborers: * Following the British abolition of the slave trade in , they attempted to replace that labor source with Chinese and Indian workers. * These contract laborers worked for extremely low wages. * The speaker notes this system met with "mixed success." * Penal Colonies: * Definition: Colonies established specifically for the purpose of housing and utilizing the labor of convicts (penalized individuals). * Example: Australia: The British utilized Australia as a penal colony, sending convicts there to perform hard labor, often resulting in these individuals never being heard from again.
Push Factors and the Experience of Migrants
Internal Conditions as Migratory Catalysts: Many individuals migrated not just for the pull of work elsewhere, but due to poor conditions in their home countries.
The Case of India: Extreme poverty in India led to mass migration as people sought work abroad. * The British provided opportunities for Indian migrants through indentured servitude in locations such as Mauritius. * Other colonial powers eventually adopted similar models for Indian labor after observing the British success with the system.
Reception and Discrimination: The common experience for migrants in these new countries was one of hardship and hostility. * General Reception: In many cases, migrants faced significant discrimination. * Racist Legislation: In some instances, this discrimination was codified into law. Examples include: * The White Australia Policy: Legislation in Australia designed to restrict non-white immigration. * The Chinese Exclusion Act: Legislation in the United States specifically targeting and banning Chinese laborers.