The New Imperialism

1800-1914

Imperialism What is Imperialism? The domination by one

country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another country or region.

What prior movement enabled New Imperialism? The Industrial Revolution supplied the technologies of domination and created the need for large quantities of natural resources.

What Continent experienced the most invasive effects of New Imperialism? Africa was nearly completely dominated by European powers by the end of New Imperialism.

Causes of New Imperialism

Economic Interestso Industrialization had

created a large need for natural resources. Examples include rubber, petroleum, and minerals such as manganese.

o New areas of control could lead to new markets to sell finished goods in.

o Colonies could support Europeans who felt that their countries were getting too crowded.

Causes of New Imperialism

Political and Militaryo Politics

• A large global empire was thought to improve a nation’s prestige.

o Military• Taking colonies could

prevent other nations from having them, and growing in power.

• Forward bases were necessary to perpetuate and protect trade.

Causes of New Imperialism

Humanitarian and Religious Goalso Humanitarian

• Many Europeans thought that Imperialistic efforts would help the less “developed” nations.

• Stems from the paternalistic way that Europeans viewed those that they Imperialized.

o Religious • Many Christian

missionaries felt that they needed to bring Christianity to these “heathen” peoples.

Causes of New Imperialism

Social Darwinismo Herbert Spencer first applied

Darwinism to society.o This is the idea that if a culture

or society was stronger than it was “superior”

o These apparent “superior” societies became that way by nature.

o Domination of weaker nations accelerated the process of nature.

o Overall, it was believed that this was improving humanity.

The Rapid Spread Weak Non-Western

Stateso African states had been

weakened by the slave trade.

o Middle Eastern and Asian civilizations were in decline.

Western Advantageso Strong Economieso Stable Governmentso Powerful Militarieso Superior Technology

Resistance Nationalist

Movementso Armed struggle to repel

the invaders.o Strengthening values

to resist cultural domination.

Protests at homeo Imperialism as the tool

of the rich.o Immorality of

subjugationo Iron of more democratic

governments institutionalizing inequality.

Imperial Rule Colonies – An area where a foreign power has

established a government that exerts direct control over the native people and resources.

Protectorate – Allowing the rulers to be in power once they agree to follow the advice of a Western advisor.

Sphere of Influence – An area in which a foreign power claims and maintains sole trading privileges.

Africa Before European

Conquesto North Africa is largely

part of the Muslim world. It includes the coast along the Mediterranean and the Sahara.

o West Africa and East Africa were also largely impacted by Islam.

o Southern Africa was largely dominated by the Zulus under the leadership of King Shaka

Africa Explored Explorers

o Explorers lead the way in mapping much of Africa.

o Usually more concerned with geography then the people that they met.

Missionarieso With the trail having been blazed

missionaries followed explorers into Africa

o They hoped to help the people of Africa.

o Brought Christianity, built schools and clinics.

o Viewed African’s as children in need of direction, very “paternalistic.

The Congo King Leopold II

o Established a hold on the African Congo

o Exploited its resources and people mercilessly

o His actions pushed other nations to begin staking claims

o Mutilated and Murdered thousands of Africans for wealth.

Meeting in Berlin Berlin Conference,

1884o A gathering of

European powers held in Berlin.

o This was a means of avoiding war between the powers.

o It established ground rules for staking claims in Africa.

Independence Won By 1914 only Ethiopia and

Liberia remain independent.o Liberia has support from the

U.S. as an ex-slave colony.o Ethiopia defeats the Italians

• A Christian nation• In the late 19th Century King

Menelik II emerges• Unites the country under

his rule.• Modernizes the country

with an infrastructure• Creates a modern army.