Imperialismtakeover of a country by a stronger nation with

the intent of dominating the political, economic, and social life of the people of that

nation (building an empire)

Role of Industrial RevolutionIndustrial economies and mass production created

need for additional raw materialsIndustrial powers looked to other lands that were

rich in raw materials to fulfill production needsIndustrialized nations have the technology (steam

engine) to access far away landsAlso have superior weaponry to conquer peopleIndustrial powers also needed markets to sell

finished goodsColonies (conquered lands) provide lots of people

to sell stuff to

Forces enabling ImperialismExternal= European’s technological

superiorityMaxim gun-1st automatic “machine gun”Steam Engine—Allowed Europeans to travel to and

within colonized landsMedical Advances-quinine protected Europeans from

Malaria

Internal—Division among the groups of people in colonized landsAfrica – numerous tribal groupsIndia – Hindus vs. Muslims

Justification:Paternalism—people need to be watched over & taken

care of with out individual rightsSocial Darwinism—Darwin’s idea of “survival of the

fittest” applied to social change those who were fittest for survival enjoyed wealth and success

and were considered superior non-Europeans were less fit because of their lack of technology,

religion, and government thus Europeans had a right and duty to bring the results of

progress to other countries

Racism—the idea that one race is superior to othersmany Europeans believed that they were better than other

peoples, in part because of their advanced technologies and Christianity

Eras of ImperialismOld Imperialism (1450-1750)

characterized by exploration, missionaries, and gold

Industrial Revolution (1750-1850)characterized by inventions, progress,

capitalism, class divisions, rise of middle classNew Imperialism (1850-1914)

took over much of Africa & Asia

Causes of New Imperialism nationalism—the belief that people should be

loyal mainly to their nation, rather than to a king or empirenations competed for colonies & trade

economic competition demand for raw materials and new markets

spurs search for coloniesmissionary spirit

Europeans believes they must spread their Christian teachings to the world

Effects of New Imperialismcolonization

Europeans control land and people in areas of Africa, Asian, and Latin America

Colonial economicsEuropeans control trade in the colonies and set

up dependent cash-crop economicsChristianization

Christianity is spread to Africa, India, and Asia

Different Forms of ControlColony—ruled directly by that colonial power

U.S. & Canada to BritainSphere of influence—a claim for only exclusive

trading privilegesLatin America to U.S.

Protectorate—country has its own gov’t, but does what imperial power wantsCuba, Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico to U.S.

Economic Imperialism—independent but less developed nations controlled by private business interests rather than by other governments

Imperial Management MethodsDirect Control

Driven by concept of paternalism…colonies were unfit to rule

Foreign officials brought in to ruleNo self-ruleGoal: assimilation Government institutions are based only on

European styleExamples:

French colonies such as Somililand, Vietnam German colonies in East Africa Portuguese colonies such as Angola

Imperial Management MethodsIndirect Control

Local government officials were usedLimited self-ruleGoal: to develop future leadersGovernment institutions were based on

European styles but may have local rulesExamples:

British colonies such as Nigeria, India, Burma U.S. colonies on Pacific Islands

Impact of Imperial RulePositive

reduced local warfare because of European military presence

humanitarian efforts improved sanitation and brought hospitals and schools in some colonies

economic expansionrailroads, dams, telegraph and telephone

lines…really for Europeans business interests

Impact of Imperial RuleNegative

lost control of their land and independence many died of new diseases such as smallpoxlost thousands of lives in resisting Europeansfamines resulted from the change to cash crops

in place of subsistence farming breakdown of traditional culturedividing up of African continent has caused most

lasting damage long-term tribal rivalries were forced to unite kinship groups were split apart

Impact of Imperialism on “Mother Countries”

Mass Society – middle class becomes most influential

NEW ELITE – 5% of populationControlled 30-40% of world’s wealthGovt/military leaders & industrialists

MIDDLE CLASS – 15% of populationUpper M.C. – doctors, lawyers, small business

owners, managers, architects, engineersLower M.C. – traders, some farmers, white collar

workers salesmen, secretaries, managers, etcWORKING CLASS – 80% of population

Blue collar workers Domestic servants, factory workers, peasant farmers

Values of the Middle Class dominate Western Society

1. hard work2. Christian morality3. Victorian lifestyles – etiquette, manners4. Universal education – education

necessary for new jobs created by Industrial Rev. & for participation in democratic govt

1900 – most European adults (80-90%) were literate

Only 20% of Serbian/Russian adults could read

LeisureRead newspapers – gossip columns, crime,

cartoonsAmusement parks – Coney Island (NY)Dance hallsOrganized sports teams – cricket, croquet,

baseball, rugby, soccerSpectator activities

Bicycle/automobileMiddle class & elites can afford to pay the

increased costs of leisure activities

Recall!!!What were the justifications for imperialism?What role did the Industrial Revolution have on

Imperialism?What were some of the forces that enabled

imperialism to occur?What were some causes/effects of imperialism?What nations were major imperialists?Compare/contrast direct & indirect control of

colonies.What were some positive/negative impacts of

colonialism?