The Roots of Imperialism
I. Influences of Imperialism
A. Desire for Self-Sufficiency
Industrialization = demand for raw materials Standards of living rose w/ “luxury items” Industrialized nations did NOT depend on
their own kind for raw materials? Gain control of sources of raw material
B. Need for New Markets
Factories produced surplus of goods Euros. & U.S. consumers could not buy all
goods Needed new markets to maximize profits Industrialists wanted exclusive rights in colonies
Also, wanted protective tariffs at home
C. Nationalism
Colonies added to a nation’s strength Colonies = source of troops Colonies required a large navy
“from coal to coal” (tiny islands used for this)
D. Outlets for Population
1800-1900: world’s pop. doubled Economy could not support growing pops.
Euros left in 1880s
E. Missionary Motives
1500-1600s: spread Christianity Roman Catholic & Prots.
Imperialism encouraged missionaries Education Medicine
Knowledge of medicine, hygiene, & sanitation spread w/Christianity
F. Cultural Motives
Industrialized Western nations had a duty to spread ideas & culture across globe
Euros = BEST CULTURE IN WORLD!! Eurocentrism Racism
Social Darwinism: “survival of the fittest” Non-Euros = lower scale of development?
Cecil Rhodes: I contend that we (Britons) are the first race in the world, and the more of the world we inhabit, the better it is for the human race…It is our duty to seize every opportunity of acquiring more territory and we should keep this one idea steadily before our eyes that more territory simply means more of the Anglo-Saxon race, more of the best, the most human, most honourable race the world possesses.
Rudyard Kipling – “The White Man’s Burden” Expressed Euro. attitude towards non-
industrialized nations Euros = obligated to carry Western civ. to
those less fortunate Real burden = colonial wealth?
II. The Nature of Imperialism
Imperialism = bitter rivalries Early imp. = merchants, explorers, missionaries Then, Euro soldiers & govt. officials to protect
THEIR citizens Opened mines, built roads & RRs Region was developed for benefit of developers
Euros had surplus cash to invest Economic development led to political control
A. Related “Terms”
Colony: an area in which a foreign nation gained complete control over a given region & its local pop. Became part of an empire
Protectorate: foreign power ruled thru local ruler Sphere of Influence: region where a nation had
exclusive economic & political privileges Economic Imperialism: less-developed country
controlled by private business interests
B. Methods of Management
1. Indirect Control: Relied on existing political rulers (Brit colonies)
Limited self-rule Also, had legislative council (colonial officials) Goal: train local leaders in Brit method of govt.
Would eventually govern selves
2. Direct Control: Africans unable to govern? Paternalism: Euros governed in a parental way
provided for needs, but did not give rights Euro bureaucrats ruled, NOT LOCALS (France) Goal: assimilation: eventually, locals would
adopt Fr. culture (schools, courts, business = French)