INTRODUCTION TO IMPERIALISM: A SPRITE APPROACH

INTRODUCTION TO IMPERIALISM: A SPRITE APPROACH

DEFINITION OF IMPERIALISM: Process by which one state, with superior military strength and more advanced technology, imposes its control over the land, resources, and population of a less developed region Imperialism, in the context of our studies, runs from the 1880s - 1940s

SOCIAL European Idealism: Local rivalries/infighting reduced All other nationalities are equally inferior and should be subjugated by Europeans Expectations that people accept European ways Victorian Age American Idealism: South- Antebellum & Slavery North Industrialization & Nativism

POLITICAL European countries competing to be most dominant (It s a global competition!) England + France Germany + Spain Dutch + Belgium Berlin Conference (1884): Europeans agreed to carve out African colonies American Expansionism: Monroe Doctrine (Isolationism) Roosevelt Corollary (Imperialism/Militarism) Speak softly and carry a big stick

POLITICAL World Powers Used One of 4 Approaches: COLONY (Direct Rule): NO local control Main Country sends governor, military, bureaucrats to keep order No intention of respecting or keeping local culture/traditions

POLITICAL PROTECTORATE (Indirect Rule): Make it look like they re in charge European governor advises local leaders, military, police carry out European policies Theoretically respects/preserves local culture Associated with British

SPHERES OF INFLUENCE / COMPANY RULE Sphere of Influence: Most associated with CHINA Europeans control port cities, only interested in controlling TRADE Company Rule: Corportations given charter (gov t permission) to control lands as part of company Gov t gets money in exchange for company charter Gov t does not need to spend time and money to control land, gets money AKA Joint-Stock Companies, example: India

RELIGIOUS Christian Missionaries are early explorers Teach locals European languages Introduce European medicine, religion, schooling, technology Troubling cultural traditions eradicated (witch doctors, infanticide, etc.)

INTELLECTUAL White Man s Burden Europeans had responsibility to save locals from savage ways Social Darwinism The strongest will survive Sense of Adventure: Exploring exotic places = 19th century extreme activity Nationalism: (Love for one s Country) Europeans want their country to win! Americans want to make a name for themselves.

TECHNOLOGICAL Shipping Shortcuts: Suez Canal (connects Mediterranean & Indian Ocean) Panama Canal (connected Atlantic & Pacific Oceans) Transport Technology: Steamships (allow rivers to go against strong currents) Trains (allow transport of huge amt stuff inland, and to cost) Allow Europeans to fully infiltrate lands, control much more than before (not just coast)

TECHNOLOGICAL Technology: Weaponry: bolt-action rifle, Maxim Gun Communication: radio, telegraph, telephone Transportation: Airplane, Automobile, Etc Disease: European Diseases (smallpox) Tropical Diseases (malaria)

ECONOMIC Industrial Revolution = $$$$ Advertisements used exotic elements to sell goods. Europeans get: Cheap resources Captive customers Non-Europeans get: Full-time jobs extracting natural resources for nothing Endless supply of industrial goods to buy

GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS: Africa: Carved up by Berlin Conference Independents: Ethiopia, Liberia India: British Raj (rule) Asia: Carved up by Europeans, but not as extreme as Africa Independent: Thailand Pacific Islands: Access to natural resources (Germany = chemicals) Where America had its colonies (Hawaii, Philippines) Latin America: Unofficially Dominated by U.S.

TAKING STOCK What elements of Imperialism were positive? What elements of Imperialism were negative?

WHICH MAKES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE THIS It was said: The Sun Never Set on the British Empire. Why?

PART 2: MOTIVES OF IMPERIALISM IN PICTURES Motives of Imperialism: 1. Political/Territorial 2. Intellectual 3. Economic 4. Exploratory/Adventure 5. Religious As you see these images, which apply? Why?