Imperialism

Definition & Process

Imperialism: The ambition of a powerful nation to dominate the political, economic, and cultural affairs of another nation.Individual Interests → Conflict →Soldiers → Government Officials →Builders, Engineers, Technicians → Little Local Input.

Reasons for ImperialismDesire for self-sufficiency. Why?

Demand for raw materials and riches (gold / diamonds)Feared that in war, their countries would be at the mercy of an enemy for raw materials

Need for New MarketsMachinery needed to run at full capacity to turn a profit.Non-Industrialized countries targeted for new marketsDesire to control these new markets; exclusive rights to sell their products.

Reasons for ImperialismNationalism:

Leroy Beaulieu, “That nation is the greatest in the world which colonizes most…”Belief that colonies added to a nation’s strength and prestige.Source of troops and “coaling stations”

Outlets for Population:Rapid population growth; many leave to seek job opportunities outside of Europe. 60 million leave between 1815-1932.

Reasons for ImperialismTechnological Factors

Steam Engine, Maxim gun, Quinine to protect from malaria

Cultural Motives QuoteSpread knowledge of medicine, hygiene, and sanitation with Christianity.Duty to transmit Western ideas, knowledge, and cultureRudyard Kipling, “The White Man’s Burden.”Racism: felt superior to the native culture.

“The Scramble for Africa”

1880: European’s control about 10% of Africa

“Berlin Conference” (1884)14 nations agree on rules of division to prevent possible war.No African leaders are invited.Ignorant of cultural and natural boundariesSlave Trade abolished.Countries must claim land and prove capable of controlling it.

Forms of Control

Europeans developed four forms of control

Colony: governed by a foreign power.Protectorate: governs itself, but under outside control.Sphere of Influence: a region where one nation has special (exclusive) economic and political privileges recognized by other nations.Economic Imperialism: private business interests assert control.

Methods of ManagementIndirect Control

Limited self-rule for local governmentsLegislative body includes colonial, local officialsGreat Britain (Why?)

Direct ControlImperial power controls all levels of governmentPaternalism: govern colonies in much the same way as parenting.Assimilation: Adaptation of local people to ruling cultureFrance, Germany, Belgium, PortugalWhich is the better

method? Explain.

Competition for AfricaGermany took control of Cameroon, Togo, southwest Africa, & East Africa

France took control Tunisia, Algeria, French West Africa (including Morocco, Sahara, Sudan, Congo basin)

• Italy: took control of Libya

Competition for Africa

The Congo:Henry Stanley helps King Leopold II of Belgium acquire land in CongoGoal: extract as much wealth as possibleLeopold exploits Africans, millions die.Belgian government takes colony away from Prince Leopold.Much of Europe competes for parts of Africa

Competition for Africa

The British in Egypt1854: French begin work on Suez CanalModernization efforts and extravagant living create a huge debt for the Ottomans1875: The British become the largest single stockholder and control the canal.1882: British fleet bombard Alexandria to put down nationalist movement; gain complete control.

British Ambition

Cecil RhodesSouth African diamond productionCreated a colony named RhodesiaGoal: British control from the Cape Colony (South Africa) to Cairo (Egypt)

Competition for Africa

South Africa1816: Shaka, Zulu chief, creates a centralized government1887: British defeat the ZulusBoers, or Dutch farmers, take African land and establish large farms.1899: Boer Wars between British and Dutch settlers.1910: British win. Union of South Africa created.

African ResistanceResistance is mostly unsuccessful

Europeans have superior weapons and better technology.

Ethiopia: A Successful Resistance

Menelik II, emperor of Ethiopia in 1889Plays Europeans against each otherStockpiles arsenal of modern weaponsDefeats Italy, remains independent.

European Claims in Africa

Only Liberia and Ethiopia remained independent.

Consequences of ImperialismIntense competition for colonies. Interactive

Effect: Creates bitter rivalries among imperial powers.

Strong desire to control all aspects of their colonies.

Effect: Fosters hatred among colonized peoples.

Africans lacked input on political boundaries.

Effect: Rival tribes and cultures included in the same nations and led to years of conflict after independence.