Imperialism in the 19 th Century Chapter 32 Notes

What Exactly Is Imperialism? Empire Building! The domination by one country over the political, economic, or cultural systems, of another country or region. Imperialism comes in different forms:

Political Imperialism Direct Rule – The actual administration of government by representatives of the imperial power, usually supported by the military – Examples: Belgian King Leopold’s brutal control of Congo French control of Vietnam Indirect Rule – Ruling through some cooperative native rulers who benefit from the relationship – Example: The Raj in British India

Economic Imperialism Domination of the economy and trade of the weaker nation In the 20 th century, this would come to be called “neo-colonialism.” Examples: – British East India Company’s control of India – Dole Company’s control of Hawaii

Sphere of Influence An area over which a powerful country claims a “vital interest” in the affairs of another country, and exerts dominance. Example: – In 1823, the U.S. adopted the Monroe Doctrine, stating that there could be no further European colonization in the western hemisphere.

Motives for Imperialism Raw materials New markets for finished products Strategic locations for refueling and supply Inspire patriotism at home through conquest abroad Missionary/religious ideals “White Man’s Burden”…duty of Europeans to bring order to distant lands

Imperialists Usually… Substituted the local government, legal, and education system with their own. Substituted local economic practices with their own (like land ownership and trade) Substituted local cultural practices with their own (like language, dress, religion)

Other Imperialist Nations Before WWI (Besides the Brits!) France: – French Indochina, French Africa, Caribbean Islands, Tahiti Russia: – Siberia, influence in Manchuria and Korea USA: – Guam, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hawaii, Samoa Japan: – Taiwan, Manchuria, Korea

Impact of Imperialism European Countries and their possessions as a percentage of the world landmass increased drastically. – 1800 = 55% – 1878 = 67% – 1914 = 84%

Another Impact: The Expansion of the “World Economy” The Industrial Revolution greatly expanded the demand for raw materials, spices, agricultural goods. The growing need for these led imperial powers to bring their colonies into the world market, and to introduce new technologies. Probably the biggest economic impact came in transportation…canals, rail lines, steamships, and harbor improvements cut travel time and lowered shipping costs.

Negative Impacts of Imperialism Subjugation of societies Exploitation of natives for “cheap labor” Introduction of new diseases to areas with no immunities Sometimes famines occurred when the demand for cash crops led to a shortage of food crops Environmental problems…railroads consumed large tracts of land, timber, iron, coal...forests were felled to clear land for plantations Left many of the colonies unprepared for independence

Positive Impacts of Imperialism Infrastructure development that would benefit colonized lands in the future New institutions, like schools, hospitals, courts Average life expectancy increased Literacy rates increased