Imperialism

1. Imperialism

2. New Imperialism Where before European states had been content with setting up a few trading posts for trade and missionary activity, they now sought nothing less than direct control over vast territories. Because of improved weaponry, improved medicines, steamboats, telegraph lines and railroads, European countries could expand into other areas for the first time.

3. Causes of New Imperialism Economic motives- looking for markets and raw materials . Wanted direct control over these things Heated rivalries- sought to acquire colonies aboard to gain an advantage over their rivals. National Prestige Social Darwinism and racism Religious and humanitarian reasons

4. Imperialism: Different Characteristics India, Africa, Southeast Asia- European countries established formal rule over colonies. - brought technology, medicine, and civilization. Without regard to the cultures China and Latin America- European powers forced local groups to grant special trading privileges. Did not take over governments/cultures

5. British rule in India Gov. – single system of law, unified India. Increased education opportunities, and introduced English as unifying language Economic- build roads, bridges, railroads. But India’s cottage industries were hurt by the competition.

6. British Rule Continued Health- built hospitals, new medicines, provided famine relief. Led to population explosion. Social- Indians were looked down upon. Culture treated as inferior. Worked long hours for little pay

7. The Scramble for Africa 1870-1890 In 1870s, Europeans still controlled very little territory in Africa. Mainly limited to coastal trading ports. Suez Canal revolt- led to take British take over of Egypt and Sudan. Gold, diamonds and other valuable resources Berlin Conference (1884) divided up remaining parts of Africa.

8. Major Powers in Africa Great Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Italy. King Leopold II- controlled the Congo as his private estate. Very cruel leader. Cecil Rhodes-created a RR system from North to South Africa.

9. Legacy of Imperialism in Africa • European powers paid no attention to existing tribal boundaries. • POSITIVE : • European medicine and improved health care led to increased life-span • - introduced modern communication & transportation • Improved education

10. Legacy Continued NEGATIVE: • Led to erosion of traditional African values and existing social relationships • Treated as inferior to Europeans • Divided African boundaries

11. “Informal” Imperialism Even in areas where they did not establish direct rule, European powers often dominated an area’s economy.

12. China China offered a huge population and potential market for European manufactured goods. Local Chinese rulers stayed in power but became subject to foreign economic pressures.

13. Opium Wars (1839-1842) Great Britain began selling Opium in China to obtain money to buy tea. Gov. of China tried to stop this by sentencing opium dealers to death. British got mad and declared war and started to attack Chinese coastal towns; they were defeated and continued to sell opium.

14. Continued This damaged the Chinese economy, and created chaos and political instability in China. Chinese forced to open several “treaty ports” giving the British new trading privileges. Established “Spheres of control”—areas of China under exclusive economic control by GB. Other countries soon followed suit. This weakened prestige of Dynasties and started up rebellions.

15. Boxer Rebellion (1899-1900) “Boxers” rebelled against the spread of foreign influence in China. Hundreds of foreigners living in Chinese cities were killed during riots . Took an international force to crush the rebellion. U.S. played a key role but still sought to preserve China as an independent country. Fought to keep it “open” to trade with all nations