The New Imperialism 1869-1914

1. The New Imperialism 1869-1914 Ch. 27

2. New Imperialism • Imperial powers used economic and technological means to reorganize dependent regions, bring them into world economy. • Africa- done by conquest and colonial administration • Latin America- done by indirect means

3. Motives • Political- • desire to gain national prestige • Acquisition of new colonial possessions/ colonial agents often sent troops first and informed home govts. later. • Cultural- • Exporting Western “Civilization” through Christian missionary activity. • Imperialism gained popularity, racism, young men- opportunities for adventure and glory

4. Motives • Economic- • Industrialization of Europe and North America- stimulated a demand for minerals, industrial crops, and stimulants (sugar, coffee, tea, and tobacco) • Entrepreneurs/investors looked to profit- mines, plantations, railroads in Asia, Africa, and Latin America • Minimized risk by seeking diplomatic and military support from their gov’t.

5. Tools of Imperialists • Industrial revolution made “imperialism” possible • Steamships and the Suez Canal gave Europeans greater mobility and better communication. • Quinine-prevent malaria • Invention of breechloader, smokeless gunpowder, machine gun widened firearms gap • VIDEO- MODERN MARVELS

6. Colonial Agents & Administration • Colonists applied modern scientific and industrial methods to their colonies that started to transform African and Asian societies. • Some colonies retained traditional gov’t. some were administered directly. • Cooperation of indigenous elite • Traditional rulers • Youth trained for “modern” jobs • Women arrive, more racial segregation.

7. Scramble for Africa!

8. Egypt • Egyptian khedives- expensive modernization projects • Financed with high-interest loans form European creditors • 1882- British sent army into Egypt, established a system of indirect rule to protect loan investments • British worked to modernize Egypt • Dam across the Nile- help agriculture/cotton • Benefited only small elite • Accompanied by Western ways conflicted with Islam

9. Western and Equatorial Africa • West Africa- French built railroad from upper Senegal River- upper Niger • Open interior to French merchants. • France claimed northern bank • Belgium- claimed area south of Congo River

10. Western and Equatorial Africa • Berlin Conference on Africa- 1885 & 1886 • Lay out framework for how Africa would be divided up • Occupation of Africa took many years, met with much resistance • West Africa, new colonial power developed existing trade networks. • Equatorial Africa • Little inhabitants or trade • Concessions to private companies that forced Africans to produce cash crops and carry them to nearest river or railroad.

11. Southern Africa • Good pastures, farmlands, and mineral wealth • Discovery of diamonds in 1868 • Led to the defeat of the Xhosa and the Zulu • 1910- European settler created the Union of South Africa • Afrikaaners emerged as ruling element in a gov’t that assigned Africans to reservations, established a system of racial segregation.

12. 1914 African Imperialism

13. Political and Social Consequences • Mixed feelings about European invasion by natives • Some fought (Zulu, Ndebele) • Ethiopia successfully defended itself against the British-1896 • Most tried to live as before, difficult due to colonial policies • Imposition of taxes on Africans forced them into low-paying jobs. • Women’s property rights undermined • Given to the head of house (a.k.a. the man)

15. Cultural Responses • Missionaries taught practical skills (crafts and domestic skills) and western ideas • Mission educated Africans started to critique colonialism • Colonialism contributed to diffusion of Islam by • Building cities • Increasing trade • Allowing Muslims to settle in new areas