New Imperialism

Europe Extends Its Power

Old vs. New Imperialism Asia/Africa/Pacifica

Old Imperialism1450-1800• Interested only in

natural resources• Set up mainly outposts

for trade• Napoleonic Wars and

revolutions ended this period

New Imperialism1850-1950s• Industrial Revolution

main cause• Gain prestige and glory• Secure military bases• Provide outlet for

surplus population• Bring the “advanced”

western culture to the backward.

Types of Imperialism

1. Concession- foreign businessmen given rights to trade.

2. Sphere of Influence- countries grant foreign nations monopolies on trade.

3. Protectorate- native ruler is used by foreign country as “puppet.”

4. Annexation- outright takeover by foreign nation.

5. Trusteeship (since WWI only)- weak nations are protected by United States. They retain they sovereignty.

India

• Had always been part of Silk Road and Indian Ocean Maritime trade systems.

• The French, Dutch and especially the British became more aggressive in the 1700s through private chartered companies (East India Company).

• After the Seven Years War with France in the mid 1700s, Britain became main imperializer.

The Raj

• Britain set up Indian Civil Service made up of white elite (Cambridge, Oxford trained) with native bureaucracy underneath- rajahs.

• Used minority native soldiers called sepoys to keep the majority in line (Mughal Muslims and Bengali Hindus)

• Revolt in 1857 by sepoys over religious issue almost ended the Raj.

• Tea, opium, spices and other natural resources made India Britain’s most prized colony- “The Jewel in the Crown”

China

• China had been under foreign influence from the 1200s-1400s by the Mongols.

• After the Mongols were forced out, they became sensitive to foreign influence.

• Under the Ming and Qing dynasties, Europeans were only allowed to trade at two ports- Macao and Canton.

• They also had to purchase all Chinese goods with either silver or gold.

Opening of China

• Opium War 1841- Britain was smuggling opium in to trade for tea and porcelain. Chinese emperor got angry and war broke out with Britain winning.

• Gunboat Diplomacy- Britain used new steam powered, iron warships to subdue China and force negotiations.

• Treaty of Nanking- Britain forced China to open more ports and trade exclusively with it in those ports.

• Spheres of influence- other nations followed Britain’s example and carved up chunks of China among themselves.

• Open Door Policy- United States got upset with Europe over its policies in China because it shut them out of the lucrative trade. Wanted a “open door.”

Africa

• The Dutch were the first to start actually colonizing the Cape Colony (South Africa) because its climate was similar to Northern Europe.

• Holland ceded the colony to Britain in 1815.• The Boers (Dutch colonists) resented British rule and

moved inland colonizing more African land (Great Trek).

• Cecil Rhodes in 1890 moved inland and seized these colonies to build a railroad from Cairo to Capetown. Led to Boer War 1899-1902.

• Other countries began to take parts of Africa in the 1800s as well which led to the Berlin Conference 1885. Laid down rules for colonization so countries would not go to war over them. Led to a “scramble” by European nations for African colonies.

Pacifica

• Europe colonized some Pacific islands primarily as coaling stations for their navies.

• Australia and New Zealand were colonized heavily by Britain.

Effects of Imperialism on Europe

Negative1. High taxes for

colonial infrastructure

2. Wars

3. Superiority complex

Positive1. Natural resources

2. Standard of living in Europe rose

3. Colonial careers

4. Military bases

Effects of Imperialism on the Colonies

Negative1. Drained wealth of land2. No native industries

allowed3. Exploitation of workers4. Culture degraded5. New vices and

diseases introduced6. ILL will

Positive1. Developed unknown

resources2. New skills learned3. Schools and hospitals

built4. Tribal/clan warfare

stopped5. Infrastructure built-

roads, railroads, harbors