Europe from Empire to Decolonization

Europe from Empire to Decolonization

IntroductionAt the end of the 19th century, Europe dominates the world with its vast colonial empires, mostly in Africa and Asia. Colonized societies are subjected to political, economic and cultural domination which puts them in a constant position of inferiority. This situation generates resistance which becomes progressively more radical, and culminates in a major challenge to colonization at the verge of World War II.

Key Questions

• How can European expansion at the end of the 19th century be explained?

• What forms does colonial domination take on?

• What effects does colonization have on colonized and European societies?

What does this political cartoon represent?

Imperial powers competing over who gets what in China• England• Germany• Spain• France• Japan

Definitions

• Imperialism– Policy of extending control

over foreign entities either through direct or indirect political or economic intervention

• Colonialism– System in which a state

claims sovereignty over territory & resources beyond its borders, displacing or ruling its local population

Cecil Rhodes, “From Cape to Cairo”, as depicted in a 19th c. Punch magazine.

Old vs. New

• “Old Imperialism”: Age of Exploration– Spain and Portugal in the Americas– France and England in N. America– Dutch in the Indian Ocean

• New Imperialism: late 19th century– Fueled by 2nd Industrial Revolution– Motivated by competition in Europe– “Final” phase of Western advancement

The West and the Rest

• Global inequalities on rise during Industrial Revolution (late 19th C – WWI)

• Those who industrialized rapidly gain power and wealth

• Lopsided world institutionalized by industrial process of the West (system keeps 3rd world down – impossible to catch up)

• Third world wages and standard of living significantly lower through entire period

Reasons for Imperialism• Markets: massive amounts of people to sell

your products to• Strategy: keeping your rivals out of your

territory or from gaining strength• Pride: boost nationalism and distract from

domestic problems• Resources: raw materials necessary for

manufacturing (minerals, rubber, diamonds, indigo, tea, opium, etc.)

World Markets

• 1820: 50% of GB’s products exported– 50% of which went to

Europe , 6% to India• 1850:– Only 16% to Europe,

25% to India

The British Empire and Mercantilism

• Colonies not allowed to raise tariffs

• GB also a large importer after repeal of Corn laws in 1846 (Protective tariffs)

• Railroads built in colonies to facilitate cheaper trade (by end of 19th c. India 4th largest rail system in world)

Extensive railway system

Designed for exporting raw

materials

Colonialism: Overarching effects• Creation of new, national states in place of the

Ottoman Empire (Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, etc.)• Implanting of western-supported regimes (especially

monarchies) that use violence to maintain authority. In many cases, these would later be violently overthrown.

• Centralization of political power. Loss of rural autonomy.

• Reorganization of social relationships among different groups. Privileging of some religious and social groups over others, leading to future conflict.

• Massive economic disruption. New economic relationships, with arrangements particularly benefiting western powers

• New models: nationalism, “modernity vs traditional”

Colonialism & Imperialism,summed up (a perspective)

Homework

Assessment Using DocumentsRead docs 1-8 and answer questions 1-4