Imperialism (1880s)
About the Document
The last decades of the 19th century saw the final surge of European imperialism as those nations
raced to impose their will on greater swaths of the developing world. Africa, in particular, generated
great interest. The Europeans came together at Berlin in 1884-85 to carve up the map of Africa and
we wrestle with the results to this day.
The Document
IV.
Since 1884 some three and three-quarter millions of square miles have been added to the British
empire. Nor does Great Britain stand alone in this enterprise. The leading characteristic of modern
imperialism, the competition of rival empires, is the product of this same period. The close of the
Franco-German war marks the beginning of a new colonial policy in France and Germany, destines to
take effect in the next decade.
It was not unnatural that the newly founded German empire, surrounded by powerful enemies and
doubtful allies, and perceiving its more adventurous youth drawn into the United States and other
foreign lands, should form the idea of a colonial empire. During the seventies a vigorous literature
sprang up in advocacy of the policy, which took shape a little later in the powerful hands of Bismarck.
The earliest instance of official aid for the promotion of German commerce abroad occurred in 1880.
But the definite advance of Germany upon its imperialistic career began in 1884 with a policy of
African protectorates and annexations of oceanic islands. During the next fifteen years she brought
under her colonial sway about a million square miles, with an estimated population of fourteen
millions. Almost the whole of this territory is tropical, and the white population forms a total of a few
thousands.
Similarly in France a great revival of the old colonial spirit took place in the early eighties. The
extension of empire in the Senegal and Sahara in 1880 was followed next year by the annexation of
Tunis, and France was soon actively engaged in the scramble for Africa in 1884, while at the same
time she was fastening her rule upon Tonquin and Laos in Asia. Her acquisitions since 1880 (exclusive
of the extension of New Caledonia and its dependencies) amount to an area over three and on-half
million square miles, with a native population of some thirty-seven million; almost the whole territory
is tropical or subtropical, inhabited by lower races, and incapable of colonization.
Italian aspirations took similar shape from 1880 onwards, though the disastrous experience of the
Abyssinian expedition has given a check to Italian imperialism. Her possessions in East Africa are
confined to the northern colony of Eritrea and the protectorate of Somaliland.
Of the other European states two only, Portugal and Belgium, enter directly into the competition of the
new imperialism. Spain may be said to have definitely retired from imperial competition. The large and
important possessions of Holland in the East and West Indies, though involving her in imperial politics
in some degree, belong to older colonialism; she takes no part in the new expansion.
Russia, the only active expansionist country of the north, stands alone in the character of her imperial
growth, which differs from other imperialism in that it has been principally Asiatic in its achievements
and has proceeded, by direct extension of imperial boundaries, partaking to a larger extent then in the
other cases of a regular colonial policy of settlement for purposes of agriculture and industry.
The recent entrance of the powerful and progressive nation of the United States of America upon
imperialism by the annexation of Hawaii and the taking over of the relics of the ancient Spanish
empire, not only adds a new formidable competitor for trade and territory, but changes and
complicates the issues. As the focus of political attention and activity shifts more to the Pacific states
and the commercial aspirations of America are more and more set upon trade with the Pacific islands
and the Asiatic coast, the same forces which are driving European states along the path of territorial
expansion seem likely to act upon the United States, leading her to a virtual abandonment of the
principle of American isolation which has hitherto dominated her policy.
Analysis Questions
1. According to this selection, what was the leading characteristic of modern imperialism?
2. What reasons does the author of this piece see as leading Europeans to divide up
Africa?
3. Why was Africa chosen for acquisition by the Europeans?