Imperialism 24-25

Imperialism Overview

Time Period: Mid to Late 1800s
Regions Covered:
- Areas in Packet: India, Africa, China
- In-depth Study: Japan

Justifications for Imperialism: How did Europeans defend their expansion? Key concepts:
- Civilization
- Christianity
- Commerce
Causes of Imperialism: Review causes and effects of imperialism.
Technological Advances: What technologies aided European imperialists?
Control Methods: - How did Western powers manage subject populations?
- Distinctions between indirect rule vs. direct rule vs. assimilation.
Comparative Analysis:
- Similarities and differences of imperialism in two regions (1750-1925).
- Relationship between imperialism, nationalism, and racism.

Population Explosion:
- European population grew from 188 million in 1800 to 432 million by 1900.
- 60 million migrated from Europe to Americas, Australia, and Siberia.
- Resulted in 38% of world's population being of European descent before WWI.
Need for Raw Materials:
- Industrial revolutions increased demand for raw materials not available in Europe.
New Markets:
- European nations sought to expand trade through new markets.
Competition for Power:
- Establishing empires was a means of national prestige and support.
- Need for ports and military bases.
Religious Expansion:
- Missionaries aimed to convert indigenous peoples, opening regions to imperial influence.
National Security:
- Colonial possessions provided safe havens and coaling stations.
Social Darwinism:
- Belief in superior races, rationalized domination of others.
Technological Superiority:
- Innovations like machine guns, quinine, steamships, and telegraphs enabled rapid control of territories.

Instability Post-Independence:
- European-imposed borders contributed to civil conflict in Africa.
- Economies suffered due to reliance on exportation of primary commodities.
Economic Exploitation:
- Limited industrial development; economies reliant on colonial powers.
- Imports from European countries hindered local industries.
Social Changes:
- Introduction of formal education, urbanization, and healthcare leading to demographic shifts.
Racism and Social Hierarchies:
- Establishment of formalized racism; pseudo-science justified European superiority.
- Cultural destruction and imposition of foreign ideologies (e.g., ban on sati in India).

Indirect Rule:
- Local officials govern with minimal European presence. Advantages include reduced costs and local engagement, but can hinder unity.
Direct Rule:
- Direct governance by European officials with military force. Easier enforcement of European policies but causes resentment.
Assimilation:
- Policy to integrate colonized people into the ruling culture. Benefits include cultural exchange; consequences reveal gaps between assimilated and non-assimilated classes.

Before Imperialism:
- Ethnic and tribal boundaries dominated African territories.
Scramble for Africa (1870-1890):
- Rapid colonization of African territories by European powers driven by economic interests (e.g., resources like diamonds and gold).
Berlin Conference (1884-1885):
- European powers divided Africa, disregarding existing tribal boundaries.
Legacy of Imperialism:
- Introduction of Western technology, yet exploitation of African labor and resources resulted in socio-economic challenges.

Impact of British East India Company:
- Colonized India, profiting from commodities like cotton and opium, led to economic changes and social upheaval.
Sepoy Mutiny (1857):
- Revolt due to cultural insensitivity; led to direct British government control post-rebellion.
House of the Ladies Massacre:
- Brutal treatment of captives highlighted the harshness of colonial rule.
Rigid Class System:
- Elite Indian officers maintained European policies, exacerbating societal divisions.
Outlawed Hindu Traditions:
- Practices like Sati and Thuggee faced prohibition under British rule for perceived barbarism.