Europe from Empire to Decolonization

Introduction At the end of the 19th century, Europe dominates the world with its vast colonial empires, mostly in Africa and Asia. Colonized societies are subjected to political, economic and cultural domination which puts them in a constant position of inferiority. This situation generates resistance which becomes progressively more radical, and culminates in a major challenge to colonization at the verge of World War II.

Key Questions How can European expansion at the end of the 19th century be explained? What forms does colonial domination take on? What effects does colonization have on colonized and European societies?

What does this political cartoon represent? Imperial powers competing over who gets what in China England Germany Spain France Japan

Definitions Imperialism – Policy of extending control over foreign entities either thru direct or indirect political or economic intervention Colonialism – System in which a state claims sovereignty over territory & resources beyond its borders, displacing or ruling its local population Cecil Rhodes, “From Cape to Cairo”, as depicted in a 19 th c. Punch magazine.

Old vs. New “Old Imperialism”: Age of Exploration – Spain and Portugal in the Americas – France and England in N. America – Dutch in the Indian Ocean New Imperialism late 19th century – Fueled by 2 nd Industrial Revolution – Motivated by competition in Europe – “Final” phase of Western advancement

The West and the Rest Global inequalities on rise during Industrial Revolution (late 19 th C – WWI) Those who industrialized rapidly gain power and wealth Lopsided world institutionalized by industrial process of the West (system keeps 3 rd world down – impossible to catch up) Third world wages and standard of living significantly lower through entire period

Reasons for Imperialism Markets: massive amounts of people to sell your products to Strategy: keeping your rivals out of your territory or from gaining strength Pride: boost nationalism and distract from domestic problems Resources: raw materials necessary for manufacturing (minerals, rubber, diamonds, indigo, tea, opium, etc.)

World Markets 1820: 50% of GB’s products exported – 50% of which went to Europe, 6% to India 1850: – Only 16% to Europe, 25% to India

The British Empire and Mercantilism Colonies not allowed to raise tariffs GB also a large importer after repeal of Corn laws in 1846 (Protective tariffs) Railroads built in colonies to facilitate cheaper trade (by end of 19 th c. India 4 th largest rail system in world)

Extensive railway system designed for exporting raw materials

European colonialism in the Middle East A romanticized painting of Napoleon inspecting a mummy at the Pyramids.

European colonialism in the Middle East, late 18 th -late 19 th c. – French invasion of Egypt – British outposts on the Arabian Peninsula, 1799 – French annexation of Algeria, 1834 (settler colonialism) – British administrative occupation of Egypt, 1882 – Russian and British imperialism in Iran Gerome’s Napoleon in Egypt (1863)