Technology’s Effect on Imperialism

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

REVIEW – Reform & Karl Marx

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How did the following types of technology affect “new imperialism?” Military Transportation Communication Medical

Imperialism Introduction

Imperialism refers to the political & economic control of one area or country by another.

19th Century – European Powers acquired colonial empires in Africa, Asia, & the Pacific

Revival of Imperialism

Europe invested time & effort into creating colonies in the Americas

Independence of United States & Latin America was a setback for European imperialism

Imperialism continue in India, South America, the East Indies, & several other places

British “Raj” (Reign) in India

Britain extended rule in India by defeating France & local rulers

First Railroad in India – 1853 European missionaries spread

Christianity British schools & colleges opened English became language of the

government Indians resented change in their

traditional ways

Sepoy Mutiny (1857)

British controlled India using better weapons & trained soldiers (sepoy)

Large number of sepoy rebelled Rebellion crushed using loyal Indian

soldiers Britain took control of India, & Queen

Victoria became Empress of India

Impact of British Rule

Government – Having single system united India; Provided jobs, increased education, introduced English

Economic – Built roads, bridges, railroads, & telegraph lines; India’s cotton industry hurt by English competition

Health – Hospitals & new medicine; Led to population increase

Social – Indians looked down upon; Workers provided cheap labor

Other Colonies

Britain: Cape Colony, West Indies, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore

France: West Indies, West Africa, India, Algeria, Indochina

Holland: Dutch East Indies Spain: Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico

“New Imperialism”

At end of 18th Century imperialism was dying Britain lost United States Spain & Portugal lost Latin America

1880-1900 – New wave of imperialism sweeps globe

Africa divided among European Powers

Causes of “New Imperialism”

Technological advances from Industrial Rev.

Steamboat – Could reach interior of Africa, which was previously inaccessible

Telegram – Communication with distant colonies

Railroads – Shipped goods & materials Medical – Able to explore with less risk Weapons – Used to control locals

Motives for “New Imperialism”

New countries wanted colonial empires to establish power on world stage

Britain seized Egypt to control Suez Canal – Fastest route to India

European powers wanted to preserve “balance of power”

Hoped to obtain resources & new places to sell