Chapter 21. The Height of Imperialism

The New Imperialism In the 19th century a new phase of Western expansion into Asia and Africa began – they became a source of industrial raw materials and a new market for manufactured goods – in the past goods were traded for spices, tea, and silk, now they were traded for oil, tin, and rubber

Silk and Spice trade lose importance Colonies viewed as markets for European goods, and sources of raw materials Instead of trading posts, Europeans wanted complete control of Colonies National pride Social Darwinism Silk and Spice trade lose importance Colonies viewed as markets for European goods, and sources of raw materials Instead of trading posts, Europeans wanted complete control of Colonies National pride Social Darwinism

European countries had set up colonies in the Americas and trading posts around Africa – they used to be content with a few trading posts, but now they wanted direct control over vast territories – this was called “new imperialism” Imperialism – the extension of a nation’s power over other lands

Reasons why Westerners wanted to increase their search for colonies after 1880: –Economic motives – wanted direct control over the areas with raw materials and markets –Rivalries – as European affairs grew tense, they wanted to acquire colonies to gain an advantage over their rival –Colonies were a source of national prestige –Social Darwinism and racism – social Darwinists believed that the most fit nations would prevail and racist believed that race determines traits and capabilities and that some races are superior to others –Religious and humanitarian motives – believed that Europeans had a moral responsibility to civilize primitive people – to bring them the Christian message and democracy and capitalism

“White Man’s Burden” Belief that Europeans had a right and responsibility to bring benefits of civilization and Christianity to “Heathens” “White Man’s Burden” Belief that Europeans had a right and responsibility to bring benefits of civilization and Christianity to “Heathens”

Enabling Factors Steamships, trains and telegraph Quinine—protection from malaria Steamships, trains and telegraph Quinine—protection from malaria

Superior weapons (Maxim gun) Superior weapons (Maxim gun)

Direct: Local Rulers were removed from power and replaced with a new set of officials brought from the mother country Forms of Control

Indirect- local rulers were allowed to maintain their position of authority and status

Assimilation-- educate everyone and make them become more European

Great Imperial Powers in 1900

Colonial Takeover in Southeast Asia

Dutch control Indonesia

British take Malay Peninsula and Burma Singapore becomes world’s busiest port

French take Indochina

Siam (Thailand) remains independent, modernizes

USA

Spanish-American War 1898

US takes Philippines and Guam (also Puerto Rico and Cuba in Caribbean)

Philippine Insurrection (led by Emilio Aguinaldo) put down in 1902 US modernizes Philippines Philippine Insurrection (led by Emilio Aguinaldo) put down in 1902 US modernizes Philippines

Intermission