Transcript Imperialism
“The industrial countries began to take over other countries. When one country takes over other countries to rule them, it is starting an empire. There has been imperialism since early times. The early Romans had an empire. The kind of imperialism that began in the 1800’s was different from that of the Roman Empire. In the new kinds of imperialism, the industrial countries began to take over and rule the less-developed countries.” In your own words, define the meaning of imperialism. Essential Question: Was imperialism a blessing or a curse? Background o “The sun never sets on the British Empire” • Edward VII • What does it mean? o Causes • • • • Industrial Revolution Science/Scientific Thought Technology New economic and political power Imperialism- the domination of one country via political, economic, or cultural life by another country or region Europe conquered empires across the Atlantic after 1492 o Also in S. Asia, Africa, and China o Despite owning these territories, Europe had little influence on the lives of these people o Europe gained power in the 1800’s • Why? How? o Imperialism exploded out of a multitude of causes… S.H.E.P Social Darwinism o Say what?... Westerners had the mission of “civilizing” other cultures Growing sense of racial superiority in the West Applied ideas of Social Darwinism to human societies o Europeans were superior to all others o Destruction of weaker species was essential for the betterment of mankind Humanitarian Goals Westerners felt a general concern for their “little brothers” o Missionaries, doctors, and officials spread the “blessings” of the western world • Medicine, law, religion, customs, etc “Take up the White Man’s burden, Send forth the best ye breed Go bind your sons to exile, To serve your captive’s need Take up the White Man’s burden, The savage wars of peace Fill full the mouth of Famine, And bid the sickness cease And when your goal is nearest, The end for other sought Watch sloth and heathen folly, Bring all your hope to nought.” What is the White Man’s Burden? Why is Imperialism considered good? Economic Interests o Industrial Revolution created wants and needs that spawned overseas expansion • Wanted access to natural resources like rubber, petroleum, manganese, palm oil • Hoped for new markets in other countries • Outlet for European population Political and Military Interests o Merchant ships and naval vessels needed bases around the world • Coal and supplies o Industrial powers took hold of harbors and islands to fulfill this need o Nationalism played a role as well • • • • French took land in west Africa Britain and Germany seized nearby lands just to stop French expansion Colonies were needed for security Global empire was prestigious Increase trade by providing market for manufactured goods Gain sources of raw materials Secure military advantages Increase prestige Share religious and cultural beliefs Which motive do you think is the most justifiable? Why was Imperialism so successful?? Weakness of Nonwestern Nations o Europe was growing stronger everyday however other nations were growing weaker • • • • • Ottoman Empire Middle East India China Africa o In Africa, wars among African people and the slave trade hindered already established empire and kingdoms • Not strong enough to resist western expansion Western Advantages Strong economies Well organized governments Powerful armies and navies Superior technology/medicine o Quinine-helped Europeans survive deadly tropical disease o Maxim machine gun o Steam-driven warships Resistance of Non-Western Nations o Africans and Asians strongly resisted western expansion into their nations o Fought back even though they had inferior technology o Strengthened societies by reforming religions and traditions o Western educated Africans and Asians organized movements to expel imperialists from their lands Criticism at Home o How do you think people took to the news that their country was imperializing? Anti-Imperialists Sentiments o Colonialism was for the rich o Wanted democracy at home, but were ruling undemocratically abroad o Imperialism stood for assertion of racial supremacy and material force rather than a national responsibility Forms of Imperial Rule o Colonies- • Leading imperial powers • Britain and France • Direct Rule- the sending of officials and soldiers to administer their colonies • France • Indirect Rule- the use of sultans, chiefs, or other local rulers to govern their colonies • Britain • Could still call on troops if things ever got out of control o Protectorates- • Local rulers were left in place but were expected to follow the advice of the European advisers on issues such as: • Trade, missionary activity, etc • Cost less to run than a colony and did not require mass amounts of military o Spheres of Influence- • An area in which an outside power claimed exclusive investment or trading privileges • Spheres were made in China and elsewhere to prevent conflicts among themselves • Example: U.S. claimed Latin America Mid-1800s, Britain was the most powerful nation in the world Produced more goods than anyone else British Navy was strongest Late 1800s Germany & U.S. began challenging Britain’s economic leadership Britain looked to increase its # colonies for markets, resources, & prestige Other countries realized the importance colonizing had on developing their country Countries that had no large claims set out to acquire them, following GB’s lead French Portugal Spain Russia Belgium Italy Race to imperialize grew out of a strong sense of national pride & from economic competition Define Imperialism What is direct and indirect rule? How did governments rule their territories? What is a Protectorate and Sphere of Influence? What are the causes for imperialism? Why was imperialism so successful?