Imperialism in the 18th & 19th Centuries

IMPERIALISM (1770s-1914)

Industrialized nations (Europe, U.S., Russia, and later Japan) strengthened their control over their colonies AND established transoceanic empires throughout Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.

Imperialism is this extension of political and economic control.

European Colonies - 1700

Industrialized nations control by 1900

The partition of Africa 1800s

Scramble for Africa

By 1914, 90% of Africa under European control France Northwest Africa Britain from Egypt to South Africa Belgium in the Congo (central Africa) Italy in Libya and Eastern Africa Portugal in southern Africa Germany in scattered areas

Berlin Conference in 1885 sets ground rules for European colonization of Africa

The Rhodes Colossus

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The partition of Africa 1914

Scramble for Africa

Consequences Traditional way of life disrupted Economic exploitation of Africans European racism imported into Africa Spread of European culture Spread of Western technology

An example from China- the Opium Wars 1830s

Silver to China!

Tea & Silkfrom China

Opium Warehouse - India

BLOCKADE OF FOREIGN FACTORIES

Opium War 1839

Treaty of Nanjing

The British Empire 19th century

WHY did industrialized nations seek to control

other areas of the world in the 18th and

19th centuries?

Western nations wanted: PROFIT!!

Industrialized nations wanted access to:

raw materials for their factories

markets for their factory products

To control the trade of valuable products around the world.

Missionaries, aid societies, and others wanted to “Christianize” and/or “civilize” people in less developed regions.

HOW did they do it?

Industrialized nations: Used their stronger militaries (using superior firepower, military technology, & navies)

U.S. Troops in the Philippines

Industrialized nations: Used their wealth for influence

Had support by industrialists, military, and religious groups

Industrialized nations had: Medicines and medical technology

JUSTIFICATION for Imperialism

Widespread belief among imperial powers that European (or Japanese) races SHOULD dominate the world.

SOCIAL DARWINISM – survival of the world’s best races

British control of India

Britain (United Kingdom)Includes England, Scotland, Wales,

Ireland

Largest colonial empire “Sun never sets on the British Empire” Colonies established to protect trading interests in Africa

and Asia Two kinds of colonies

“White” Colonies (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) Populated mainly by people that moved there from Britain

Given self-rule “Non-white” Colonies (India, Africa)

Under indirect rule Populated mainly by people who are native to the area Few people from Britain actually live there – but control the

government

What is being advertised?

Where is this taking place?

How can you tell?

What is going on?

What does it tell us about imperialism / colonialism?

Who was the queen at the time?

Common advertisement during Imperialism

A British Merchant's Home in Colonial India

European Imperialism in India

Consequences of British Imperialism in India British educational system established Spread of English language Railroads tie India together Rise of Indian middle class