1. The “New” Imperialism – 1869 - 1914

4. MOTIVES for Imperialism
Political Motives
Status and Competition between nation-states
E.g. France after humiliating loss of Franco-Prussian War
British Protection of India, the “crown jewel” of the British Empire

5. Motives for Imperialism
Cultural Motives
Missionaries – spread Christianity through missionary work
Result: Loss of native cultures
Sometimes good?
Child Brides
Suttee
Arranged Marriage
Human Sacrifice

6. Motives for Imperialism
Cultural Motives
Exportation of “Civilization”
Abolition of slavery
Western Education
Hygiene and medicines

7. Motives for Imperialism
Cultural Motives
Technology and “Progress”
Humans as Masters over Nature
Technology as proof of superiority of West
“Savages” vs. “Civilized”: Eurocentricity
Easy military victories, use of newspapers to soften public opinion, e.g. Omdurman (1898)

8. Motives for Imperialism
Economic Motives
Industrialization: Demand for raw materials
Merchants wanted reliable sources
Military used as backup
High Demand for Crops

10. New Imperialism – Motives and Methods
Seizure of Africa and Central Asia
10 Million square miles, 150 million people
Reorganization of Colonies in Asia and Africa
King Leopold of Belgium demands the Congo
“The Scramble For Africa”

12. Domination of Latin America
US’s Monroe Doctrine
Intervention in Latin America lead to economic imperialism
US in Philippines

17. Economic Dependencies
Latin America: supplier of foodstuffs and raw materials and consumers of manufactured products
Similar to old colonial relationships, but technically politically independent
Western corporations controlled economies, western armies defended their interests

18. The Imperialist’s Toolkit
Naval and Steam power
Suez Canal
Telegraph cables
Breech-Loading rifles
Smokeless powder = better visibility
Repeating rifles – 15 rounds in 15 seconds
Gatling Guns