Imperialism: Why and How? World History

What is Imperialism? Imperialism is the domination by one country of the political, economic and cultural life of another country or region.

Imperialism Imperialism is a term associated with the expansion of the European powers, and later the US and Japan, and their conquest and colonization of African and Asian societies, mainly from the 16 th through the 19 th Centuries It occurred not just through the force of arms, but also through trade, investment, and business activities that enabled the imperial powers to profit from subject societies and influence their affairs without going to the trouble of exercising direct political control

Focus In the late 1800’s, Europeans seized almost the entire continent of Africa. A few critics opposed the expansion. But most Europeans applauded the move. By the end of the century, they had carved out empires around the globe including the huge continent of Africa.

Motivations Many Europeans came to believe that imperial expansion and colonial domination were crucial for the survival of their states and societies Motivations can be grouped as economic, political, and cultural

1. Economic Motives ($$$$$) Overseas colonies could serve as reliable sources of raw materials not available in Europe that came in demand because of industrialization –Rubber in the Congo River basin and Malaya –Tin in southeast Asia –Copper in central Africa –Oil in southwest Asia Rubber trees in Malaya

Example of Economic Motivation: Cecil Rhodes Went to south Africa in 1871 and by 1889 he controlled 90% of the world’s diamond production Also gained a healthy stake in the gold market Served as prime minister of the British Cape Colony from and saw the Cape Colony as a base of operations for the extension of British control to all of Africa

2. Political Motives Some overseas colonies occupied strategic sites on the world’s sea lanes Others offered harbors or supply stations for commercial and naval ships Foreign imperialist ventures were useful in defusing social tensions and inspiring patriotism at home, often between industrialists and socialists

Example of political motivation: Russians in Tashkent The weakening of the Ottoman and Qing empires turned central Asia into a political vacuum and invited Russian expansion In 1865 Russian forces captured Tashkent which served as an important location for trade between Central Asia and Russia, especially after the construction of the Trans-Caspian Railroad in 1898 As Russia encroached upon the ill-defined northern frontier of British India, Russians and British played out the “Great Game” of exploration, espionage and imperialistic diplomacy throughout Central Asia

3. Cultural Justifications (Racial / European “Superiority”) Christian missionaries saw Africa and Asia as fertile ground for converts and often served as intermediaries between imperialists and subject peoples Other Europeans sought to bring “civilization” to subject peoples in the form of political order and social stability Cecil Rhodes believed, “We (the British) are the finest race in the world and the more of the world we inhabit, the better it is for the human race.” We’re #1!

Example of Cultural Motivations: The White Man’s Burden Take up the White Man’s Burden— Send forth the best ye breed— Go bind your sons to exile To serve your captives’ need; To wait in heavy harness, On fluttered folk and wild— Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half-devil and half-child. Rudyard Kipling

Three Forms of Imperial Rule 1. Colonies – Territories claimed and ruled by people from another land. Direct control – Ruling country use their own officials and soldiers to run the colony. Indirect control – Ruling country uses local rulers (chiefs, sultans, etc.) to run the colony

Three Forms of Imperial Rule 2. Protectorates – Local rulers are left in place but were expected to follow European advisors regarding trade and missionary activity. Costs less than a colony. Doesn’t require large military force.

Three Forms of Imperial Rule 3. Spheres of Influence – An outside power claims exclusive investment and trading with another nation or land. Examples: Europe in China; U.S. in Latin America