Imperialism Old vs New Old Imperialism 1500 1750

Imperialism

Old vs. New • Old Imperialism (1500 -1750) – Trading post empires • England, Portugal, Holland – Colonization of the Americas • New Imperialism (1870 -1914) – Economic/political control (not content with trade) • Africa, Asia, China – Protectorate – places maintained their own governments but were still under the control of an imperial power

Motivation 1. Desire for military strength – On the Importance of Sea Power – Power and Prestige 2. A thirst for new markets – New sources for raw materials (Africa) – New markets for manufactured goods (China) 3. A belief in cultural superiority – Social Darwinism – a natural ‘right’ to dominate weaker people • Europeans ‘most fit’ because of wealth, technology, etc. – “White Man’s Burden” – Missionary work to bring Christianity to ‘uncivilized’ peoples

Technological Advances • Steamships • Suez Canal • Submarine cables – Communication • Quinine – Prevention of Malaria • New weapons – New rifles, machine guns

Imperialism in Africa • Otto von Bismarck (Germany) – 1885 Berlin Conference • Organized division of African continent – Liberia/Ethiopia only remaining independent countries • Consequences – Destroyed native culture – Helped industrialize Africa • Railroads, medicine, telegraph – Increased European rivalries

Imperialism in India • Decline of Mughal Empire British arrival – British focused on trade • British East India Company • Hired Sepoys (Indian soldiers) to protect trade interests – British began reforming Indian government • Weakened regional princes • Private land ownership – Easier to collect taxes • Christian missionary work • Increased agricultural production

The Sepoy Mutiny (1857) • British influence led to oppression – Destroyed cotton textile industries – Oppression leads to discontent • Sepoys rebel – Resented having to fight overseas – Did not want to be converted to Christianity • Most were Hindu or Muslim – Rumor of pig/cow fat being used to grease weapons • Hindus ≠ Cows (Sacred) & Muslims ≠ Pigs (Unclean)

The Mutiny as a Turning Point • Put down by British, leaders killed • Queen Victoria declares freedom of religion, equal protection under the law • A viceroy is appointed to oversee affairs – Replaces East India Company’s rule • Indian National Congress (INC) pushes for reform – Especially to help the poor – Hoped to achieve independence (not until 1947)

Consequences of British Rule • Damaged native culture – Esp. India’s textile industry • Introduced new technologies to India. – Railroad, telegraph, steamships

Imperialism in China • The Opium War (1839 -1842) – British wanted to sell to Chinese – Qing Dynasty restricted trade – British sold opium, refused to ban trade – Chinese burn British warehouses • British defeat Chinese easily – Advanced technology

Results of the Opium War • Treaty of Nanking – Required China to open additional ports of trade – Legalization of Opium trade – British control Hong Kong • China carved into ‘spheres of influence’ – Leads to Taiping Rebellion (Civil War) • 20 -30 million killed

Imperialism in Japan Review of Japanese History: – Emperor existed as a figurehead – Power was with Shogun • (military leader) – Regional lords (Daimyo) controlled day to day – 1600 s – Japan closes borders to outsiders – 1853 – Commodore Matthew Perry arrives • U. S. warships • Demands access for trade

The Japanese Response • Treaty of Kanagawa – Similar to unequal treaties signed by China • Japan feared a similar fate (Opium War) • Daimyo overthrow the Shogun – Leads to civil war in Japan • Meiji Restoration – New government – Restored the Emperor (Mutsuhito)

Impact on Japan • Unlike China, Japan begins widespread industrialization/modernizati on Goals: 1. Protection from western powers 2. Increase own power/prestige Japan will eventually become a colonial power

Comparing Europe and Japan Similarities • Private entrepreneurs • Mechanization – Factory development • Textiles • Women and children participated • Growth of population and technology Differences • Europe began late 1700 s • Japan not until mid 1800 s • Europe motivated by private business interests – (folks wanted to get rich) • Japan motivated by imperialism to protect itself

Imperialism in Latin America (1) • Review: – Independence gained from Spain in early 1800 s – Rich with natural resources – Complicated social/economic hierarchy

Imperialism in Latin America (2) • New: – British/US investors exploited riches • Agricultural and mineral – Supported by Latin American elites • Helped bring about modernization • Increased wealth of the upper class – Imperialists often used military power • Did not attempt to conquer Latin America

Major Imperialism Similarities Positives • Technological advancement – Transportation (RR, roads) – communication (telegraph) • Increase in trade – Raw materials/natural resources • Improved health care and education Negatives • European domination of politics, culture, and economy • Exploitation of people and resources

The Roles of Women (1750 -1914) Similarities • Main role wife/mother • Non-elites worked – Factories, then white collar • Elites did not work outside of the home • Fought/participated in revolutions and independence movements – Fail to gain any major concessions other than some simple education Differences • Suffrage movements in Americas and Europe – No such movements in China, Japan, or India • Chinese elites foot binding • Sati outlawed in India by Mughals and British – Still practiced at times