Journal  Define imperialism. How did Western nations get stronger and more powerful using imperialism?

Section 1

The New Imperialism  In the 19 th century, Western attitudes towards Asia changed.  Western imperial powers began to see Asia as both a source of raw materials and as a market for goods manufactured in the West.

What is New Imperialism?  Imperialism: the extension of a nation’s power over other lands  Before the 19 th century, western countries mainly looked to create trading posts and religious missions in Asia, rather than full- scale colonies.

What is New Imperialism?  In the 19 th century, however, European countries began to seek total control over territories in Asia.  They did this because following the Industrial Revolution, industrialized nations needed larger supplies of raw materials and natural resources.  Having total control over a colony would provide cheaper and easier access to those resources.

What is New Imperialism?  Western nations also wanted colonies to help in their relationships with other countries. Having colonies helped make them stronger and more powerful.

What is New Imperialism?  Some Western countries tried to colonize lands for moral reasons.  1) Social Darwinism  2)Some European countries believed that because they were superior, they had a moral and religious responsibility to civilize and “save” inferior nations with the message of Christianity = “the white man’s burden”

Colonization in Asia: Great Britain  Great Britain was the first western country to begin colonizing Asia, beginning with Singapore. It then colonized Burma.  These colonies helped to increase Britain’s trade routes and to protect India.

Colonization in Asia: France  In response to Britain’s rapid colonization of Asia, France used its existing missionary system to allow it to seize control of Vietnam in  Vietnam fought back against France for many years, but by 1887 France forced Vietnam to become a protectorate: a political unit that depends on another government for its protection.  France moved on to colonize the surrounding countries of Cambodia, Annam, Tonkin and Laos, combing all five countries into one political unit known as the Union of French Indochina.

Colonization in Asia: The United States  Following the American victory in the Spanish-American War, the United States gained control of the former Spanish territory in Asia, the Philippines.  Because the Philippines would serve as a convenient trading point in the area for the United States, the US government decided to colonize the region  The people of the Philippines – who had been fighting for independence from Spain during the Spanish-American War – continued their fight for freedom against the US.  The US defeated the Filipino fighters, however, and took control in 1902.

Colonization in Asia: Thailand  During the era of New Imperialism, Thailand was the only Asian nation able to escape colonization.  Both Great Britain and France wanted to colonize Thailand, but its rulers King Mongkut and his son King Chulalongkorn promoted friendly trade relationships between Thailand and both countries.  In 1896, Britain and France both agreed to respect Thailand’s independence.

Colonial Regimes in Southeast Asia  Western powers governed their new colonial empires by either direct or indirect rule  Goals= exploit the natural resources of the land and open markets for their own manufactured goods

Indirect and Direct Rule  Sometimes a colonial power could realize its goals most easily through cooperation with local political elites (Indirect rule).  This made it easier to gain access to natural resources and lowered the cost of government (less effect on local culture)  Ex: Dutch East Indies

Indirect and Direct Rule  Indirect rule not always possible so local elites were removed from power and replaced with a new set of officials brought from mother country (Direct rule)  Many Westerners feared the idea of natives being allowed political rights  Ex: Burma

Colonial Economies  Colonial powers did not want their colonists to develop their own industries- thus they stressed the export of raw materials  This policy led to some form of plantation agriculture, where peasants worked as wage laborers  Plantation owners kept the wages at poverty level in order to increase profits

Colonial Economies  Conditions on plantations were so unhealthy and high taxes levied by colonial govs were a heavy burden on peasants

Colonial Economies  Colonial rule did bring some benefits to Southeast Asia:  Led to the beginnings of a modern economic system  Colonial govs built railroads, highways and other structures that could benefit the natives  Development of export market

Resistance to Colonial Rule  First, resistance came from ruling class  Peasant revolts  Early resistance movements failed, overcome by Western powers  Nationalism emerged in the 20 th century as a form of resistance- wanted national independence.