2.4.6 The New Imperialism
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2.4.6 The New Imperialism
Imperialism occurred not only in North America. Many powerful nations used their power to control other nations politically, economically, and culturally. By the mid-1800s, the world embarked on what is called the New Imperialism.
The New Imperialism saw European nations, United States, and Japan begin an unprecedented pursuit of overseas territories. To give themselves more power and wealth, these nations built empires by using military power and technology to expand their control of other nations and take their resources.
China: The cartoon shows the leaders of Europe and Japan carving up China as if it were a pie they were all going to eat while China powerlessly looks on, which is basically what happened to China. Britain took one part, Russia another, Japan another. The, they proceeded to take valuable resources out of the country with the Chinese receiving very little in return.
India was controlled by Great Britain from the 1700s until after World War II. At first, the British East India Trading Company established trade outposts to buy tea, fabric, spices, and other goods. The company bought the unprocessed goods, shipped them to Britain where they could be processed and then sold around the world. In exchange, railroads, schools, and hospitals were built. Soon, the East India Company had its own army and the British government appointed governors across the country.
There was a great deal of eurocentrism. As you learned in your exploration of Canadian history, many European settlers and rulers did not understand cultural differences. They believed the Indian people were inferior and their religious beliefs were mere superstitions. However, unlike Canada, India had far too many people for assimilation through residential schools. Instead, the people were not treated as equals. Eventually, they rebelled and the British government took direct control of India, naming Queen Victoria (pictured on the left in the cartoon) Empress of India.
The New Imperialism saw European nations, United States, and Japan begin an unprecedented pursuit of overseas territories. To give themselves more power and wealth, these nations built empires by using military power and technology to expand their control of other nations and take their resources.
China: The cartoon shows the leaders of Europe and Japan carving up China as if it were a pie they were all going to eat while China powerlessly looks on, which is basically what happened to China. Britain took one part, Russia another, Japan another. The, they proceeded to take valuable resources out of the country with the Chinese receiving very little in return.
India was controlled by Great Britain from the 1700s until after World War II. At first, the British East India Trading Company established trade outposts to buy tea, fabric, spices, and other goods. The company bought the unprocessed goods, shipped them to Britain where they could be processed and then sold around the world. In exchange, railroads, schools, and hospitals were built. Soon, the East India Company had its own army and the British government appointed governors across the country.
There was a great deal of eurocentrism. As you learned in your exploration of Canadian history, many European settlers and rulers did not understand cultural differences. They believed the Indian people were inferior and their religious beliefs were mere superstitions. However, unlike Canada, India had far too many people for assimilation through residential schools. Instead, the people were not treated as equals. Eventually, they rebelled and the British government took direct control of India, naming Queen Victoria (pictured on the left in the cartoon) Empress of India.
Africa: Imagine a meeting where a group of rich people decide what part of your house they are going to own without talking to you or inviting you to the meeting. That was the Berlin Conference where 15 nations aimed to control Africa as part of what became known as the Scramble for Africa.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Africa was largely uncolonized. Although the people of Europe had been active in Africa, obtaining natural resources and slaves, the New Imperialism was a time in history when the nations of Europe began to carve Africa into territories for themselves.
The map shows that only two nations (Ethiopia and Liberia) were independent at that time. Every other part of Africa was controlled by a European country.
- They decided that to control a nation officially, such territory had to be "effectively occupied". In other words, the colonizing power had to have control of the occupied country, usually through the army resolving any conflict with brutal force.
- Africa was remapped with no consideration for the languages, cultures, and/or religions of the African people. This has had long-term effects. Today, great problems remain among the various tribes in Africa. Countries were created that contained tribes with very different cultures and beliefs. Some tribes were favoured by colonial powers while others were discriminated against. War and genocide have been results.
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An end to the slave trade was also planned.
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Not one African nation was invited to the conference!
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Africa was largely uncolonized. Although the people of Europe had been active in Africa, obtaining natural resources and slaves, the New Imperialism was a time in history when the nations of Europe began to carve Africa into territories for themselves.
The map shows that only two nations (Ethiopia and Liberia) were independent at that time. Every other part of Africa was controlled by a European country.
Digging Deeper
Watch any of the following films:
- Hotel Rwanda
- Out of Africa
- Langaan:Once Upon a Time In India