The Age of Imperialism 1850-1914

Imperialism: when a stronger nation takes over a “weaker” nation England created the largest Empire in the history of the world as a result of their industrialization.

Causes of Imperialism Nationalism (Glory for country) Social Darwinism (the “strong” should control the “weak”) -> European belief in racial superiority Religious: desire to “civilize” & Christianize non-Europeans Economic: (greed)Need for natural resources to use in factories, expand markets, and outlet needed for growing population

Imperialism in Africa The “Scramble for Africa”

Africa Technology (Maxim gun, steamships, railroads) helped Europeans take land in Africa The Berlin Conference: 14 nations almost went to war over African territory met in 1884 to reach a peaceful solution by dividing the territories of Africa amongst them Africans were given no voice at this conference as land was divided up without their permission

The Berlin Conference

Negative Effects of Imperialism on Africa Division of African cultures: Enemy tribes were united while kinship groups and family members were split because of the artificial boundaries instated by the Berlin conference. Regional tensions and conflicts increased between tribes. New diseases wiped out some African populations that lacked immunity Demand of cash crops caused food shortages and famine for many Africans Africans forced to work for Europeans in their own land Many Africans lose their land as Europeans “settle” in Africa

Negative Effects Continued Much of the African continent was looted of its natural resources by Europeans who needed these materials for industrialization. Most of Africa remains poor “third world” as a result

Positive Effects of Imperialism on Africa improved sanitation and education improved infrastructure and industrialization (roads and railroads were built) hospitals, schools and factories were built creating more jobs and increasing African life expectancy European farming techinques and technology brought to Africa increasing food production

Imperialism in Africa

Cecil Rhodes and the Rudd Concession Africans were often tricked into giving up parts of their lands to European powers

1. How does the image on the left represent Imperialism in Africa? 2. How are these images related?

African Resistance Led by Shaka the Zulu nation fought British rule and army Zulu army almost defeated British but eventually lost kingdom East Africa fought Germany but lost. 75,000 died. Ethiopia successfully rebelled against Italy and defeated them Menelik became African emperor of Ethiopia

The Boer War 1899-1902 Boers (Afrikaaners)- descendants from early Dutch settlers in Southern Africa Britain fought against Boers (Dutch) for control of Southern Africa and diamond trade Britain won, gained control of Union of South Africa British controlled world diamond trade

Europeans claim Muslim Lands The Ottoman Empire lost power and begins to decline after the death of Suleiman I European Powers took control of Ottoman (Muslim) lands and the Mediterranean sea England gains control of: India - natural resources (cotton,spices,ivory) Built the Suez Canal in Egypt for faster international trade Britain took over Persia (Iran) for oil

The Suez Canal

British Imperialism in India British Expand Control over India East India Company: rules India until 1850s uses an army including Indian soldiers known as “sepoys” -India was seen as the most important colony and called the “Jewel in the Crown” due to its production of raw materials and large consumer market

Map of Natural Resources in India The British used these resources such as coal and iron to manufacture goods in Britian and sell the finished goods to the Indian people!

Positive Effects of British Rule in India the British modernized India Railroads move cash crops and goods faster improved sanitation set-up centralized government irrigation works increased agriculture improved education and literacy decreased local warfare

Negative Effects of British Rule in India British control political and economic power cash crops such as growing cotton for the British resulted in loss of self-sufficiency and caused famine-grew cotton instead of food Indian culture is disrupted due to racism and Christian missionaries broke up traditional (domestic) industries and unemployment increased Not allowed important government jobs as Britsh controlled government

-Many sepoys were jailed, others rebelled The Sepoy Rebellion 1857- Indians rebel: Sepoys refuse to use cartridges due to religious reasons: had to bite them open (greased with pork fat & considered unclean by Muslims and Hindu’s) -Many sepoys were jailed, others rebelled -British put down the rebellion using violence -Results: -Britain takes direct control over India from the East India Company- “turning point” in Indian history -Increased distrust between Indians and British

The Sepoy Mutiny

“Turning Point” in Indian/British Imperialism 1858 British government took direct control over India from the British East India Company because of the Sepoy Mutiny Raj - (time period when India was under Britain’s control) lasted until 1947 India divided into 11 provinces & 250 districts fueled more British racism towards Indians British take “tighter control” over India

Inequality in India Indians: paid much less than British for same positions resented being 2nd class citizens in their own country could not hold top jobs in government British: -Occupied most important jobs in India and most of the wealth.

Nationalism in India India adopts modernization movements many Indians adopt western ways formation of the Indian National Congress (1885) called for independence from Britain Religious issues remain: -Formation of the Muslim league (1906) -many Muslims did not trust Hindus within India -Muslim League & Indian National Congress worked towards Indian Independence from Britain

The Indian National Congress

Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi (1869-1948) took leadership of INC in 1921 preached and practiced Civil Disobedience (Deliberate and public refusal to obey any unjust law) supported rebellion without violence Believed Indians should boycott British goods and make their own goods at home Led “salt march” to the sea to protest the forced buying of British goods including salt Leader of the Indian independence movement