Europe from Empire to Decolonization

Introduction At the end of the 19th century, Europe dominates the world with its vast colonial empires, mostly in Africa and Asia. Colonized societies are subjected to political, economic and cultural domination which puts them in a constant position of inferiority. This situation generates resistance which becomes progressively more radical, and culminates in a major challenge to colonization at the verge of World War II.

Key Questions How can European expansion at the end of the 19th century be explained? What forms does colonial domination take on? What effects does colonization have on colonized and European societies?

What does this political cartoon represent? European powers competing over who gets what in the world China England Germany Spain France Japan

Old vs. New “Old Imperialism”: Age of Exploration Spain and Portugal in the Americas France and England in N. America Dutch in the Indian Ocean New Imperialism late 19th century Fueled by 2nd Industrial Revolution Motivated by competition in Europe “Final” phase of Western advancement

The West and the Rest Global inequalities on rise during Industrial Revolution Those who industrialized rapidly gain power and wealth Lopsided world institutionalized by industrial process of the West (system keeps 3rd world down – impossible to catch up) Third world wages and standard of living significantly lower through entire period

Reasons for Imperialism Markets: massive amounts of people to sell your products to Strategy: keeping your rivals out of your territory or from gaining strength Pride: boost nationalism and distract from domestic problems Resources: raw materials necessary for manufacturing (minerals, rubber, diamonds, indigo, tea, opium, etc.)

World Markets 1820: 50% of GB’s products exported 50% of which went to Europe , 6% to India 1850 25% to India, only 16% to Europe

British Empire Colonies not allowed to raise tariffs GB also a large importer after repeal of Corn laws in 1846 (Protective tariffs) (especially raw materials) Railroads built in colonies to facilitate cheaper trade (by end of 19th c. India 4th largest rail system in world)

Extensive railway system designed for exporting raw materials

(Forced) Opening of China China: one of the oldest civilizations in the world (more advanced than Europe) Dominant power in Asia, made trade connections with Europe through the silk Road Mostly self-sufficient due to geography, population size 300 M (90% of pop. Lived in Eastern 1/3 of country) and resources (farming & minerals) GREAT investment opportunity for Europe

(Forced) Opening of China Until 1820’s trade for Europeans restricted to Canton (port) Opium trade became increasingly lucrative for GB and France (poppies grown in India/Indochina and sold to Chinese) Addiction common amongst rich Chinese bureaucrats

(Forced) Opening of China Qing government tried to crack down, resulted in First Opium War in 1837 Chinese overpowered by British Navy (#1 in world) Treaty of Nanking (1842) – Hong Kong to GB $100 million indemnity paid to GB, open trade in more ports

(Forced) Opening of China 2nd Opium War 1856 – result in harsher terms against China French and GB occupy Beijing + destroy emperor’s palace NOT a colony but dominated economically

(Forced) Opening of Japan Japan was extremely isolated from 1640-1853 (Dutch - guns and Christianity) Feudal society preserved from Western influence 1853- the U.S. wanted to enter the Imperialist game

(Forced) Opening of Japan Commodore Mathew Perry delivered ultimatum to open up or be attacked - “Gunboat diplomacy” Japan opened up, new government in 1867