Introduction to Imperialism

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Introduction to Imperialism

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Definition of Imperialism

Process by which one state, with superior military strength and more advanced technology, imposes its control over the land, resources, and population of a less developed region

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What did this look like?

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The RationaleThink about the last two units (Revolutions, Industrial Revolution) - how did we get here?Nationalism - large colonies meant powerIndustrialization - vast access to natural resources and cheap laborHumanitarianism - Europeans thought it was their duty to civilize and uplift African peopleSocial Darwinism - Survival of the fittest people

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Nationalism (1800-1914)French Revolution and Napoleon spread nationalism throughout EuropePride in one’s country was based upon industrial production, military strength, and size of empire

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Industrialization (1750-1900)Increased population in EuropeGreat technological advances - military, transportation, and communicationsContinued economic expansion requires more resources and markets

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Humanitarianism

Christian missionaries saw Africa and Asia as fertile ground for converts

Cultural superiority - Europeans must “save” the rest of the world

Must stop the Arab slave trade in Africa (still in practice in North/East Africa)

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Scramble for AfricaPrior to the Age of Imperialism, Europeans only controlled port towns (except for Portugal who had two larger colonies)

British took South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Gambia in the mid-1800s

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Scramble for AfricaBetween 1875 and 1900 European control of Africa went from 10% to 90%

Only two nations, Liberia (home to many freed American slaves) and Ethiopia remained independent

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The Berlin Conference

Tensions began to mount between rival European nations

Conference called in 1884 by Bismarck of Germany to defuse disputes and set guidelines for colonization

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The Berlin Conference

Conference in Berlin essentially divided up Africa – no African representatives were in attendance (or were even invited)

While dividing up the continent tribal territories and rivalries were not considered. Boundaries were drawn that divided tribes and coupled enemies together, leading to modern problems in Africa.

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Administrative StylesColonies (Direct Rule)

French, German, PortugueseEuropean rule imposedHighly centralizedNo attempt to preserve African institutions

Protectorates (Indirect Rule)BritishGovernor appointed by British gov’tLocal leaders advised by BritishSupposed to preserve African institutions

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Administrative StylesSpheres of Influence

Local rulers maintain control of internal affairsEuropeans control port townsChina

Company RuleEuropean country grants economic and political control to trading companyIndia (revoked later)Belgium Congo (terrible abuses)

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Competition for Asia

British East India Company had long controlled large parts of India, but other areas were soon being sought after

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Competition for Asia

Subjugation of Asia less violent and more diplomatic than in Africa (other than the French campaign for Indochina)