New Imperialism
What is the difference between old v. new imperialism?
Old- Developed during and after the “Age of Discovery and Exploration” in the 15th -17th centuries (14001600)
Goal was for mother countries to utilize (use) their colonies to benefit them economically. For example, a
mother country would use colony for natural resources but had little influence on the lives of the people. In
other words, mother countries did not try to alter the colony’s culture. (See this in China/India/Africa)
Vs.
New- Developed in the last third of the 19th Century and was the total domination by one country of the
political, economic or cultural life by another country. The intention of “new imperialism” was to exert total
control and change the colony.
Notes:
- Sudden mania for expansion that gripped the 19th century. The idea of imperialism was not new,
however what occurred was.
What brought about the change?
- Changes in Europe- with the unification of Germany and Italy, France and GB no longer were the only
dominant powers. These nations are going to embark on conquest of new land as a way to over-power
other countries in Europe.
New Imperialism Timeline:
Overview of Unit
1750’s British East India Company begins the takeover of India
1793- China rejects British request for Open Trade
1838-1842- First Opium War (War Britain v. China)
1850-1864- Taiping Uprising in China
1853- Commodore Perry (U.S.) arrives in Japan
1857-1858- Sepoy Mutiny/Rebellion in India
1868- Meiji Restoration in Japan
1870-1871- Unification of Italy and Germany
1880-1914- Colonial Conquest of Africa (Europe scrambles for Africa)
1899-1901- Boxer Rebellion in China