Late Nineteenth Century Imperialism

1870-1914

Objective To understand the causes of European

imperialism of the late 19th century To understand the extent of European imperial

expansion To understand the consequences of European

imperialism for Europe and the developing world

Definitions Imperialism

“extending a nation’s influence directly or indirectly over weaker areas”

ColonialismTaking direct control of an area and turning it into a colony under a nation’s authority

NationalismBelief that an ethnic group should rule itselfBelief that one nation is better than all the others

Motives Economic

Goes back to the Industrial Revolution- as more industry, there is more of a need for raw materials to use in factories, materials to sell, and many people are becoming VERY rich and need a place to invest that money.

PoliticalBelief that the more colonies you have; the more powerful and prestige you have

ReligiousTo spread Christianity; but missionaries needed to be protected. There was a feeling of superiority by Christians that wanted to spread that.

Motives (cont.) Exploratory

Many people were interested in finding new plants, insects, etc. to develop medicines

IdeologicalThe idea that white race was superior to ANY other race which was considered inferior. Documents show that the “N” word was used at this time. Charles Darwin’s philosophy applied to society in general: “We are better and we will conquer you!”

Positive effects of imperialism Source of natural resources New markets for manufactured goods of mother

country Investment opportunities Source of new products like kiwi, coffee, papaya Combined DEMOCRATIC ideal with local

traditions, but it often was not inclusive for natives (only white and European)

Positive effects of imperialism (cont)

Improved HEALTH CARE standards Built hospitals, roads, schools, etc. but were

these being built because of natives or for Europeans that were living there? They needed railroads for mother country to move goods, hospitals to care for European that lived there, etc. So not really being done to benefit the colony, but to help the mother countries economy.

Negative effects of colonialism Racism: white European culture was superior

Same as Hitler and the JewsJapanese over Chinese: Japan needed resources so they thought they had a right to take over

Exploitation: of land, natural resources and labor to benefit the mother country. Many natives died

Religious conversion: destroyed local traditions

Negative effects of colonialism (cont)

Destruction of Traditional Cultures: leave native people with an identity crisis. We see this today with native Americans. Money from casinos going to tribes for education in an attempt to save their identity. Crime, alcohol, drug use goes up with identities are lost.

Colonial EconomyDependent on mother country. Economies had been set up to benefit the mother country. Native industries were not developed and labor was not trained in management. Still exists today.

Negative effects of colonialism (cont)

DiseaseEspecially small pox and measles. Fear of small pox today if parents refuse to immunize.

Economic Imperialism Definition:

When one country invests heavily in another as to influence that country

How did the Industrial Revolution lead to Imperialism?

Natural ResourcesNeeded materials to keep their factories running (coal, iron ore, gold, silver, tin, and copper)

MarketsNations needed places to sell their manufactured goods

Benefit to mother countryNation let its colonies buy only those goods manufactured in the mother country- the nation that controls a colony

Connection to Themes How did Nationalism help Imperialism?

Some countries thought that an empire (colonies) would make them look more important.

How did Militarism help Imperialism? Mother countries could use their colonies as military bases.

The Effect of Imperialism on Asia Europeans became interested in 1500 because

of the riches of Asia By the 1800’s most of Asia had fallen under the

control of Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, and the Netherlands

In 1855, the U.S. convinced Japan to open its ports to ships from the U.S.

Eventually Russia, France, and Japan joined the race for raw materials, markets, and wealth

The Effect of Imperialism on Asia

The Effect of Imperialism on Asia First time Eastern culture met Western culture Eventually Asians became dissatisfied.

Imperialist nations had made huge profits while the majority of Asians suffered in poverty.

Asians wanted to regain control of their homelands.

A spirit of nationalism swept the continent.

The Effect of Imperialism on Asia From the 1940’s through 1970’s, Burma, India,

Pakistan, Lebanon, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Jordan, Israel(became a new country), Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam all became independent countries

The Effect of Imperialism on Africa In the 1400’s Europeans discovered that slaves

could be bought along the African coast from tribal rulers who had taken prisoners of war

Rulers would sell their prisoners in return for cloth, guns, and iron.1450-1865, 10 million slaves were shipped to North America and South America where they were sold to owners of sugar and cotton plantations

By the 1800’s many Europeans took a dim view of the marketing of human beings

The Effect of Imperialism on Africa In the early 1800’s a half dozen countries

became involved in a spirited land rush that saw nearly all of Africa fall into European hands

The Effect of Imperialism on Africa

The Effect of Imperialism on Africa The Industrial Revolution had generated a need

for raw materials and created a group of wealthy businessmen interested in making foreign investments.

By World War II, countries were forced to choose between fighting expensive wars or giving up their colonies. Most chose to grant independence peacefully

The Effect of Imperialism on Africa