The Age of Imperialism, 1850-1914
Chapter 27 Section 1: The Scramble for Africa, p. 685-689
Imperialism – Control by a strong nation over a weaker nation.
Racism – Belief that one race is superior to others.
Social Darwinism –Use of Darwin’s ideas about evolution to explain human societies.
Berlin Conference –Meeting at which Europeans agreed on rules for colonizing Africa.
Shaka – Zulu chief who crated a large centralized state.
Boer – Dutch colonist in South Africa.
Boer War – War between the British and the Boers.
Main Idea: Ignoring the claims of African ethnic groups, kingdoms, and city-states,
Europeans established colonies.
Why It Matters Now: African nations continue to feel the effects of the colonial
presence more that 100 years later.
Africa Before European Domination; Forces Driving Imperialism
Why did imperialism begin in the 1800s?
Few Europeans rule in Africa
-many ethnic groups scattered by terrain…traders
-Imperialism
*racism
*Social Darwinism
The Division of Africa
How did European nations claim African lands?
The Berlin Conference (1884-1885)
-divides Africa among European nations
*doesn’t consider African ethnic/linguistic groupings
-Europeans wanted Africa’s vast natural resources
Three groups Clash over South Africa
What groups fought over South Africa?
Africans, Dutch & Britain fight over land & resources
-Zulus -eventually absorbed by Britain
-Boers –went north to escape Britain (Great Trek)
*Boer War…defeated & join Union of South Africa
Chapter 27 Section 2: Imperialism: Nigeria, OB: 690-695 / NB:
Paternalism – Governing in a “parental” way…providing for needs but not
giving rights.
Assimilation – Absorbing colonized people into culture of imperialist nation.
Menelik II – Leader of Ethiopian resistance.
Main Idea: Europeans embarked on a new phase of empire building that affected both
Africa and the rest of the world.
Why It Matters Now: Many former colonies have political problems that are the result
of colonial rule.
A New Period of Imperialism; A British Colony
What forms and methods did imperialist nations use to control their colonies?
European control methods
-Colony
-protectorate
-sphere of influence
-economic imperialism
*Britain & U.S. use indirect control (paternalism)
*French use policy of association (assimilation)
African Resistance
How did Africans resist imperialism?
Africans resist colonial rule
-not organized & have no modern weapons
-Ethiopia -only nation to remain free of European dominance
*Menelik II
The Legacy of Colonial Rule
How did colonial rule affect Africa?
Positive Effects
*reduced local warfare
*improved living conditions
*economic growth
*new technology
Negative effects
*Africans lost land
*lost independence
*deaths from diseases
*famines
*lost traditional culture
-boundary disputes plague Africa for years to come
Chapter 27 Section 3: Europeans Claim Muslim lands, p. 697-700
Geopolitics – Interest in or taking of land for its location or products.
Crimean War – Conflict in which the Ottoman Empire halted Russian expansion
near the Black Sea.
Suez Canal – Human-made waterway connects the Red & Mediterranean Seas.
Main Idea: European nations expanded empires by seizing territories from Muslim
states.
Why It Matters Now: Political events in this vital resource area are still influenced by
actions from the imperialistic period.
Ottoman Empire Loses Power
When did the Ottoman Empire become weak?
Weak rulers follow Suleiman I
-Selim III’s reforms give rise to nationalist feelings
*Greece & Serbia gain independence
-Europeans seize opportunity to divide empire
Europeans Grab Territory
Where did Europeans grab territory?
Atlantic & Mediterranean trade routes
-controlled by Ottomans
*rise of Geopolitics
- Crimean War: Ottomans, British, & French defeat Russia
*revealed Ottoman military weakness
*Ottomans lose land
Egypt Initiates Reforms; Persia Pressured to Change
What measures did Muslim countries take to avoid imperialist domination?
Suez Canal
-Muhammed Ali’s reforms & modernization
*Egypt loses control of canal Britain & France
- Persia tries to modernize…Russia & Britain take over
Chapter 27 Section 4: British Imperialism in India, p. 701-705
Sepoy – Indian soldier under British command.
“Jewel in the Crown” – Term referring to India as the most valuable of all British
colonies.
Sepoy Mutiny – Uprising of Indian soldiers against British rule.
Raj – British rule over India from 1757 to 1947.
Main Idea: As the Mughal Empire declined, Britain seized Indian territory and soon
controlled almost the whole subcontinent.
Why It Matters Now: India, the second most populated nation in the world, has its
political roots in this colony.
British Expand Control over India
How did British rule affect India?
East India Company
-seizes control of most of India
*Sepoys
-Britain considers India its primary colony
*“Jewel in the Crown”
-India benefits and suffers under British colonial rule
*modernization, improved living conditions, etc…
*restrictions, loss of traditional life, etc…
The Sepoy Mutiny
Why did Indians rebel?
Racists attitudes of British rulers
-Indians object…feel they are being forced into Christianity
-Sepoy Mutiny (1857)
*animal-product sealant enrages Hindus & Muslims
*turns into widespread rebellion
-British government takes direct control of India
*Raj (1757-1947)
Nationalism Surfaces in India
What were the goals of the Indian nationalist movement?
Indian Nationalist Movement
-Indians demand greater role in government
-Ram Mohun Roy speaks out against social injustices
-formation of Indian National Congress & Muslim League
-unrest forces Britain to redraw partition of land in Bengal
Chapter 27 Section 5: Imperialism in Southeast Asia, p. 706-709
Pacific Rim – Southeast Asian mainland & islands along rim of Pacific Ocean.
King Mongkut – King who helped Siam modernize.
Emilio Aguinaldo – Leader of Filipino nationalists.
Annexation – Adding of territory.
Queen Liliuokalani – Last Hawaiian ruler of Hawaii.
Main Idea: Demand for Asian products drove Western imperialists to seek possession
of Southeast Asian lands.
Why It Matters Now: Southeast Asian independence struggles in the 20 th century have
their roots in this period of imperialism.
European Powers Invade the Pacific Rim
Which Western powers grabbed land in Southeast Asia?
Imperialism in Southeast Asia
-European powers race to claim a part of Southeast Asia
*perfect for plantations
-Dutch East India Company controls Indonesia
*creates a rigid social hierarchy
-British encourage large immigration of Chinese to Malaysia
-French try to impose their culture on their colonies
Siam Remains Independent
How did imperialism affect Siam?
Siam remains independent
-becomes neutral zone between France & Britain
-Siam escapes effects of colonization by modernizing itself
*King Mongkut
U.S. Imperialism in the Pacific Islands
What lands did the United States acquire?
America & colonization
-nation disagrees…economic interests spawn imperialism
-U.S. defeats Spain & Filipino nationalists
*acquires Philippine Islands…promises early self-rule
~Emilio Aguinaldo
-promotes cash crops over food in Philippines & Hawaii
-U.S. companies overthrow Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani
*establish a republic…annexed to the U.S. (1898)