1. Europe from Empire to Decolonization

2. 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.

3. 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?

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

5. 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

6. 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

8. 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.)

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

12. 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)

13. Extensive railway system designed for exporting raw materials

15. (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

16. (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

18. (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

20. (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

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

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