Imperialism WHII #28

Imperialism Imperialism Imperialism - The domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another country or region Also commonly referred colonization to as colonization – conquering or controlling another country or territory 1800s and continued through the early 1900s European imperialism spread throughout the 1800s and continued through the early 1900s

Types of Imperialism 3 Types of Imperialism: 1.Colonies officials and soldiers 1.Colonies – direct rule colonizers (rulers back home) sent officials and soldiers to administer their control and run things 2.Protectorate decisions of European advisors 2.Protectorate – local officials remained as rulers, but were expected to follow decisions of European advisors; “indirect rule.” 3.Spheres of Influence investment and trading 3.Spheres of Influence – outside powers claimed exclusive rights to investment and trading in a specific region.

European Imperialism Reasons for European imperialism at this time in history: 1.Need for natural resources 1.Need for natural resources to fuel the growing Industrial Revolution 2.Competition 2.Competition between European power – NATIONALISM spread of Christianity 3.Missionary work – spread of Christianity

What two continents will be the most sought after?

Africa and Asia Africa and Asia 2 reasons why Africa and Asia were so easily conquered by Europeans: 1.Lack of organization 1.Lack of organization (hundreds of cultures and languages kept Africa and India from becoming unified). 2.Lack of technology 2.Lack of technology (societies of chiefdoms, tribal ritual and tradition, and hunter-gatherer; not a “state” system; no advancement in civilization).

Western Advantages Europeans had many advantages Europeans had many advantages over nearly the rest of the entire world: – Strong Economies Powerful Militaries – Powerful Militaries Superior Technology – Superior Technology – Medical Advancements – Structured Governments Britain and France Britain and France were the largest imperial states

The African Land Grab From 1400 – 1800 Europeans traded with Africans along the coast, but did not venture inland Belgium Central Africa (Congo). 1800’s – Belgium claimed a large portion of Central Africa (Congo). “land grab” 90% of African territory This led to a “land grab” that saw over 90% of African territory claimed by European nations

Partitioning of Africa 1914

King Leopold Belgium King of Belgium primarily in Congo First to claim territory in Africa, primarily in Congo Extremely cruel rule towards the African people The most brutal atrocities in African colonization were committed by the Belgians The most brutal atrocities in African colonization were committed by the Belgians

The Suez Canal Suez Canal provided a shorter route 1800’s – Europeans built the Suez Canal in Egypt that provided a shorter route for ships between Asia and Europe. Suez Canal connected the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea controlled by Britain The canal was controlled by Britain for many years.