Imperialism…In a Nutshell
Imperialism: Domination of one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of
another country or region.
Leading up to imperialism…
The Industrial Revolution and the growth of science and technology had
transformed the West. The western nations used newly acquired economic and
political power to dominate the world.
Causes of Imperialism
Economic Interests: Industrial Revolution created needs and desires that spurred
overseas expansion. Manufacturers wanted access to natural resources such as
rubber, petroleum, manganese for steel, and palm oil for machinery. Also hoped for
new markets where they could sell their factory goods.
Political/Military: Merchant ships needed bases around the world to take on coal
and supplies. Industrial powers seized islands and harbors to meet those needs.
Nationalism (strong feeling of pride in one’s country) played a role as well.
European nations followed the lead of other nations. Western leaders claimed that
colonies were needed for national security. Also felt that ruling a global empire
increased a nation’s prestige around the world.
Humanitarian Goals: Westerners felt a genuine concern for their “little brothers”
beyond the seas. Missionaries, doctors, and colonial officials believed they had a
duty to spread what they saw as the blessings of western civilization, including
medicine, law, and Christian religion.
Social Darwinism: Growing sense in the west of racial superiority. Many westerners
embraced the ideas of Social Darwinism. They applied Darwin’s ideas about natural
selection and survival of the fittest to human societies. European races, they argued,
were superior to all others, and imperial conquest and destruction of weaker races
were simply nature’s way of improving the human species.
Success of Western Imperialism
1870 – 1914: Imperialist nations gained control over much of the world. Leading
the way were soldiers, merchants, settlers, missionaries, and explorers. Western
imperialism succeeded for a number of reasons.
Weakness of Nonwestern States: Several older civilizations (Ottoman, Mughal India,
Qing China) were in decline. In West Africa, wars among African peoples and the
draining effect of the slave trade had weakened empires, kingdoms, and city-states.
Imperialism…In a Nutshell
Western Advantages: Strong economies, well-organized governments, and powerful
armies and navies. Superior technology and medical knowledge played a part as
well. Advanced weaponry also helped.
Forms of Imperial Rule
Imperialism took several forms. Imperial powers established colonies in some
areas; in others, the set up protectorates and spheres of influence.
Colonies: France and Britain developed different kinds of colonial rule. French
practiced direct rule (sending officials and soldiers from France to “run the show”).
British relied on a system of indirect rule (used sultans, chiefs, or other local rules to
govern colonies; encouraged children of local ruling class to get an education in
Britain). France and Britain would both resort to military force if control over a
colony was threatened.
Protectorates: Country with its own government but under the control of an outside
power. Local rules were left in place but were expected to follow the advice of
European advisers on issues such as trade or missionary activity. A protectorate
cost less to run than a colony did, and usually did not require a large commitment of
military forces.
Spheres of Influence: An area in which an outside power claimed exclusive
investment or trading privileges. Europeans carved out these spheres in China and
elsewhere to prevent conflicts among themselves. United States claimed Latin
America as its sphere of influence.
Imperialism in Africa
By the end of the 1800s, the imperialist powers of Europe claimed control over most
of Africa.
1500s-1700s: Europeans traded along the African coast. Difficult geography and
diseased kept them from reaching the interior. Medical advances and steamships
changed this limitation in the 1800s.
Explorers: Early 1800s. European explorers moved into the interior of Africa.
Missionaries: Catholic/Protestant Missionaries followed explorers. Sought to win
people to Christianity. Wanted to help Africans. Built schools and medical clinics.
King Leopold II (Belgium)
Hired explorers to explore the Congo River and set up trade with African leaders.
Decided that missions work should be encouraged in the area. Leopold secretly
wanted wealth and territory.
Imperialism…In a Nutshell
Leopold’s activities in the area led to a scramble for territory in Africa. Britain,
France, and Germany soon pursued colonization in the area.
From 1884 to about 1904, European powers claimed the majority of Africa for
colonization.
France took a giant share of Africa; Britain took a smaller and more scattered share
of Africa.
Countries such as Italy and Portugal also colonized Africa.
Imperialism in India
Early 1600s: British East India Company won trading rights in India. By the mid1800s, it controlled three fifths on India.
There were numerous tribes in India. The British turned tribes against each other.
Also had superior weaponry, which allowed them to remain in control.
East India Company’s main goal was to make money. Introduced Christianity and
western education.
East India Company angered residents of India. Required sepoys (Indian soldiers)
to serve anywhere that was needed.
Leads to rebellion. Indians slaughtered British men, women, and children. British
stopped the revolt.
Parliament (British government) ended the rule of the British East India Company
and put India directly under the British crown. Sent troops to India.
British Colonial Rule
Britain set up system of colonial rule in India.
Felt that they were helping India to modernize.
Was an unequal partnership. Saw India as a market and a source of raw materials.
Built roads and railroad network. Allowed British to sell their factory-made goods
across India and carry Indian cotton, jute, and coal to coastal ports for transport to
factories in England. Telegraph also gave Britain better control of India.
Opening of Suez Canal (1869), allowed British trade with India to soar. Partnership
remained unequal. Favored the British.
Imperialism…In a Nutshell
Britain transformed India agriculture. Encouraged farming and growing of cash
crops (cotton and jute).
British introduced medical improvements and new farming methods. Better health
care and increased food production led to rapid population growth. Rising numbers
put a strain on the food supply, especially since farmland was being used to grow
cotton and jute. Terrible famines swept India.
British rule did have benefits. Railroads helped Indians move around the country.
Telegraph and postal system improved communication.