European Imperialism

Imperialism Imperialism: the political and economic control of one area or country by another. Past Examples: Persia Rome European Colonies in 15th – 18th Century The Roman Empire What are the benefits to controlling the government and economy of another country?

Causes of the “New Imperialism” 1. Industrial Revolution Technologies Steamboat helped reach the interior of Africa and Asia Telegraph made communication across large distances possible Railroad made shipping of goods and raw materials easier Medicine made exploring new areas safer New military weapons helped to control local people Can you name another time in history when technology has promoted such a movement?

Causes of the “New Imperialism” 2. Economic Motives: Industry needed raw materials Industry needed new markets 3. Political Motives: Demonstrates a nation’s power Hoped to preserve a balance of power between European countries 4. Social Motives: Social Darwinism: Belief that some societies were superior to others and should spread their culture. Spread Christianity The “White Man’s Burden” to civilize and tame the wild, heathen, native peoples of the world.

The British “Raj” (Reign) in India During the 18th century Great Britain took control of much of India Reforms: Wiped out some old local traditions and customs Built a railroad Spread Christianity Built schools and colleges English became official language The Indians liked some of the new changes, but resented the changes to their customs and beliefs Britain tried to modernize India. Why did the Indians resent the British efforts?

The Impact of British Rule on India Government: Unified India under one government Made English the official language Economic: built roads, railways, and telegraph Hurt local cottage industry from British manufacturing Health: built hospitals Introduced new medicine Provided famine relief Resulted in a population explosion Social: Indian culture was seen as inferior to British culture. Indian workers provided cheap labor, working long hours for little pay Was the British reign in India good or bad? Explain.

The “Scramble for Africa” Between 1870 and 1890 most of Africa came under the control of a European country 1880 a revolt in Egypt prompted Great Britain to take over the country so it could continue to use the Suez Canal. In 1884 the Berlin Conference divided Africa up among the European countries By 1890 only Ethiopia and Liberia were independent Explain this picture

Major Imperial Powers France: Belgium: Great Britain: Germany: Central Africa Northwest Africa above the Sahara Belgium: The Congo Great Britain: West Africa East African coast from Egypt to South Africa Germany: Tanganyika Cameroon Togo Southwest Africa

Positive Effects of Imperialism in Africa Health: Medicine Improved nutrition Longer life spans Population explosion Technology Modern transportation (steamboat & railroad) Communications (telegraph and telephone) Economics: Some Africans received an education Some received better jobs such as administrators or in the army Is the loss of the control of your government and economy worth the positive outcomes of that loss?

Negative Effects on Imperialism in Africa Traditions: Led to an erosion of traditional African values Destroyed existing social relationships Culture African people were treated as inferior. Africans worked long hours for little money in terrible conditions Politically: Africa was divided and led to continuing tribal conflicts

European Powers and China Why Europe was Interested in China: Large market for sales Valuable raw materials China had exotic goods Europeans wanted China lacked a strong military. Europe forced China to do what it wanted.

The Opium Wars (1839-1842) Causes: Britain easily won Results: Britain sold opium in China to get money to buy tea China sentenced opium dealers to death to try and stop this practice Britain declared war Britain easily won Results: Damaged the Chinese economy Created political instability in China Britain got new trade privileges, giving Britain economic control of some areas (Spheres of Influence). Other European countries wanted their own Sphere of Influence Chinese people revolted against the Chinese rulers British gunships pound the Chinese coast

U.S. Involvement in China U.S. Open Door Policy: The U.S. proposed equal trading rights between all countries in 1899. Truth is, the US wanted a part of the action. Boxer Rebellion: Chinese (Boxers) rebelled against foreign influence Hundreds of foreigners were killed European forces put down the rebellion The U.S. helped to stop the rebellion with troops and ships stationed in the Philippines, but also stopped Europe from further dividing up China. What does the rebellion show of how the Chinese people felt about foreign influence? What was the U.S. main purpose in China?

Latin America Spanish American War: Spain still held Puerto Rico, Cuba, and a few islands in the late 1800s. Cuba rebelled against Spain in 1898. In 1898 the USS Maine mysteriously blew up in the Havana harbor. US and Spain went to war. US won and received influence over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Would you consider the U.S. to be imperialistic based on the events in China, Japan, and the Spanish American War.

Latin America Most of Latin America was economically dependent on the U.S. and Great Britain. Panama Canal: Shorter route between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Area was owned by Columbia. President Theodore Roosevelt encouraged Panamanian rebels to declare independence in 1904. The U.S. protected the rebels. Took 10 years to build the canal Used the Monroe Doctrine (1823) as a basis for protecting the canal. Roosevelt said “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” How does this statement relate to the Panama Canal situation.