Imperialism in the 18th & 19th Centuries

IMPERIALISM (1770s-1914) Industrialized nations (Europe, U.S., Russia, and later Japan) strengthened their control over their colonies AND established transoceanic empires throughout Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Imperialism is this extension of political and economic control of stronger nations over weaker nations

European Colonies - 1700

Industrialized nations control by 1900

WHY did industrialized nations seek to control

other areas of the world in the 18th and 19th centuries?

Western nations wanted: PROFIT!!

To control the trade of valuable products around the world-industrialization and growing affluence led to the need for extensive raw materials and agricultural products

markets for their factory products-sometimes European factories produced more than Europeans could consume for themselves

Absorb the excess population of European nations-avoid class conflict at home

Nationalism- “Great Power” status in a competitive political system (Italy and Germany)

ABCs for Baby Patriots-1899

Missionaries, aid societies, and others wanted to “Christianize” and/or “civilize” people in less developed regions.

•By 1910, 10,000 missionaries in Africa •By the 1960s, 50 million Africans were Christian

HOW did they do it?

Industrialized nations: Used their stronger militaries

(using superior firepower, military technology, & navies)

Relied on native elites who were Western educated

Maxim Gun and Breech-loading rifles

•Steam ships and British control of Suez Canal •Underwater telegraph cables

Industrialized nations: Used their wealth for influence Had support by industrialists,

military, and religious groups

Industrialized nations had: Medicines and medical technology-

Quinine to prevent malaria

JUSTIFICATION for Imperialism

Widespread belief among imperial powers that European races SHOULD dominate the world.

SOCIAL DARWINISM – survival of the world’s best races

Social Darwinism •Based on the ideas of Charles Darwin and the “survival of the fittest.” •European dominance involved the destruction or displacement of “backward” people or “unfit” races. •Imperial aggression was seen as both natural and progressive.

The Rhodes Colossus

©2012, TESCCC

The British Empire 19th century

The partition of Africa 1800s

Scramble for Africa

By 1914, 90% of Africa under European control

Berlin Conference in 1885 sets ground rules for European colonization of Africa

Hardest to conquer decentralized societies w/ no formal state structure-village by village

The partition of Africa 1914

• See if you can identify part of the problem with colonization.

Scramble for Africa

Consequences Traditional way of life disrupted Economic exploitation of Africans European racism imported into Africa Spread of European culture-education

and religion Spread of Western technology Change to women’s roles

Scramble for Africa

Economic Consequences-Rise in forced labor within Africa Forced Labor-Belgian Congo most infamous

case of abuse Cash-Crop agriculture-often led to famine

for local people and dependence on foreign markets Wage Labor-migration of labor, urbanization,

mines

ECONOMIES of FORCED LABOR

Colonial subjects were required / forced to work as unpaid laborers on public projects like building railroads, constructing government buildings, and transporting goods.

French Africa – 10-12 days labor per year Belgian Congo – private companies with state

support terrorized natives to collect rubber Netherlands East Indies – peasants required to

turn 20% of their land into cash crop agriculture Portuguese Mozambique – brutal enforcement of

cotton production quotas

British control of India-British East India Company

Indian Rebellion1857-58 •Based on a series of Indian grievances towards the British •Led to intolerance of natives and direct control by the British government

Britain (United Kingdom) Includes England, Scotland, Wales,

Ireland Largest colonial empire “Sun never sets on the British Empire” Colonies established to protect trading interests in Africa

and Asia Two kinds of colonies

“White” Colonies (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) Populated mainly by people that moved there from Britain Given self-rule

“Non-white” Colonies (India, Africa) Under indirect rule Populated mainly by people who are native to the area Few people from Britain actually live there – but control the

government

What is being advertised?

Where is this taking place?

How can you tell?

What is going on?

What does it tell us about imperialism / colonialism?

Who was the queen at the time?

Common advertisement during Imperialism

A British Merchant's Home in Colonial India

European Imperialism in India

Consequences of British Imperialism in India British educational system established-creates

cultural divide between educated and uneducated Spread of English language Railroads tie India together Rise of Indian middle class-Western educated

and eventually politically active