The New Imperialism 1869-1914 Ch. 27

New Imperialism Imperial powers used economic and technological means to reorganize dependent regions, bring them into world economy. Africa- done by conquest and colonial administration Latin America- done by indirect means

Motives Political- Cultural- desire to gain national prestige Acquisition of new colonial possessions/ colonial agents often sent troops first and informed home govts. later. Cultural- Exporting Western “Civilization” through Christian missionary activity. Imperialism gained popularity, racism, young men- opportunities for adventure and glory

Motives Economic- Industrialization of Europe and North America- stimulated a demand for minerals, industrial crops, and stimulants (sugar, coffee, tea, and tobacco) Entrepreneurs/investors looked to profit- mines, plantations, railroads in Asia, Africa, and Latin America Minimized risk by seeking diplomatic and military support from their gov’t.

Tools of Imperialists Industrial revolution made “imperialism” possible Steamships and the Suez Canal gave Europeans greater mobility and better communication. Quinine-prevent malaria Invention of breechloader, smokeless gunpowder, machine gun widened firearms gap VIDEO- MODERN MARVELS

Colonial Agents & Administration Colonists applied modern scientific and industrial methods to their colonies that started to transform African and Asian societies. Some colonies retained traditional gov’t. some were administered directly. Cooperation of indigenous elite Traditional rulers Youth trained for “modern” jobs Women arrive, more racial segregation.

Scramble for Africa!

Egypt Egyptian khedives- expensive modernization projects Financed with high-interest loans form European creditors 1882- British sent army into Egypt, established a system of indirect rule to protect loan investments British worked to modernize Egypt Dam across the Nile- help agriculture/cotton Benefited only small elite Accompanied by Western ways conflicted with Islam

Western and Equatorial Africa West Africa- French built railroad from upper Senegal River- upper Niger Open interior to French merchants. France claimed northern bank Belgium- claimed area south of Congo River

Western and Equatorial Africa Berlin Conference on Africa- 1885 & 1886 Lay out framework for how Africa would be divided up Occupation of Africa took many years, met with much resistance West Africa, new colonial power developed existing trade networks. Equatorial Africa Little inhabitants or trade Concessions to private companies that forced Africans to produce cash crops and carry them to nearest river or railroad.

Southern Africa Good pastures, farmlands, and mineral wealth Discovery of diamonds in 1868 Led to the defeat of the Xhosa and the Zulu 1910- European settler created the Union of South Africa Afrikaaners emerged as ruling element in a gov’t that assigned Africans to reservations, established a system of racial segregation.

1914 African Imperialism

Political and Social Consequences Mixed feelings about European invasion by natives Some fought (Zulu, Ndebele) Ethiopia successfully defended itself against the British-1896 Most tried to live as before, difficult due to colonial policies Imposition of taxes on Africans forced them into low-paying jobs. Women’s property rights undermined Given to the head of house (a.k.a. the man)

Cultural Responses Missionaries taught practical skills (crafts and domestic skills) and western ideas Mission educated Africans started to critique colonialism Colonialism contributed to diffusion of Islam by Building cities Increasing trade Allowing Muslims to settle in new areas