Imperialism

What is Imperialism? The takeover of a country or territory by a stronger nation with the intent of dominating the political, economic, and social life of the people of that nation.

Motives for Imperialism The Industrial Revolution provided European countries with a need to add lands to their control. It grew out of a strong sense for national pride. Racism – the idea that one race is better than another race. Europeans had better technology and because of this they believed they were better then other people. Social Darwinism – the idea come from Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest.” Those who survived enjoyed wealth and success and considered themselves better.

Europeans Enter Africa European Motives: 1. Nationalism 2. Economic Competition 3. European Racism 4. Missionary Impulse

Colonial Takeover External Forces: 1. Maxim Gun 2. Railroads and Steamships 3. Cure for Malaria Internal Forces: 1. Variety of Cultures and Languages 2. Low Level Of Technology 3. Ethnic Strife

Berlin Conference (1884-1885) – European countries feared war would break out among them. 14 countries met in Berlin to lay down rules for the division of Africa. Any country could claim land by notifying the other countries. No African ruler attended the conference and by 1914 only two countries were free from European rule (Liberia & Ethiopia). Three Groups Fight over South Africa: 1. Africans 2. Dutch 3. British

Zula Expansion – the Zula Chief, Shaka, was able to create a large centralized state. However, the leaders that followed him were unable to stay strong and the Zula land became part of British control. Boers (Dutch for “farmers”) – these people took over native Africans’ land and established large farms. To escape the British the Boers moved north, this became known as the “Great Trek.” Boer War –The Boers fought the British in what some consider the first modern “total war.” The British won and in 1902, the British controlled the Boers.

Four Forms of Imperialism: 1. Colony – a country or a region governed internally by a foreign power. 2. Protectorate – a country or territory with its own internal government but under the control of an outside power. 3. Sphere of Influence – an area in which an outside power claims exclusive investment or trading privileges. 4. Economic Imperialism – independent but less developed nations controlled by private business interests rather than by other governments.

Two Types of Management Methods: 1. Indirect Control Local government officials were used Limited self-rule Goal: to develop future leaders Government institutions are based on European styles but may have local rules 2. Direct Control Foreign officials were used No self-rule Goal: assimilation Government institutions are based only on European styles The United States

Paternalism – Europeans governed people in a fatherly way by providing for their needs but not giving them rights. Assimilation – this policy was based on the idea that in time, the local populations would become absorbed into French culture. African Resistance:  The people of Africa resisted the Europeans, however, it was never an equal contest, due to the Europeans superior arms.  The one exception to the resistance was Ethiopia. Menelik II led the Ethiopians. He played the Italians, French, and British against each other.

Impact of Colonial Rule Negatives  Loss of land  Loss of independence  Death due to new diseases  Famines Positives  Reduced local warfare  Humanitarian efforts led to better sanitation, hospitals, and schools.  Economic expansion  Railroads, dams, telephone and telegraph lines