Introduction to Imperialism: A SPRITE Approach

Introduction to Imperialism: A SPRITE Approach

Definition of Imperialism: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

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

SocialSocial

Local rivalries/infighting reduced (all equally ‘inferior’ and subjugated by

Europeans) Expectations that people accept European ways

Local rivalries/infighting reduced (all equally ‘inferior’ and subjugated by

Europeans) Expectations that people accept European ways

POLITICALPOLITICAL

European countries competing to be most dominant (It’s a global competition!)

Berlin Conference (1884): Europeans agreed to carve out African colonies

European countries competing to be most dominant (It’s a global competition!)

Berlin Conference (1884): Europeans agreed to carve out African colonies

PoliticalPolitical

European Powers Used One of 4 Approaches: COLONY (Direct Rule):

NO local control Euro. Country sends governor, military, bureaucrats

to keep order No intention of respecting or keeping local

culture/traditions Most associated with Germany, Portugal, France

European Powers Used One of 4 Approaches: COLONY (Direct Rule):

NO local control Euro. Country sends governor, military, bureaucrats

to keep order No intention of respecting or keeping local

culture/traditions Most associated with Germany, Portugal, France

PoliticalPolitical

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

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

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

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

ReligiousReligious

Christian Missionaries are early explorers Teach locals European languages Introduce European medicine, religion,

schooling, technology Troubling cultural traditions eradicated

(infanticide, etc.)

Christian Missionaries are early explorers Teach locals European languages Introduce European medicine, religion,

schooling, technology Troubling cultural traditions eradicated

(infanticide, etc.)

IntellectualIntellectual

“White Man’s Burden” Europeans had responsibility to “save” locals

from “savage” ways Sense of Adventure:

Exploring exotic places = 19th century “extreme” activity

Nationalism: Europeans want their country to win!

“White Man’s Burden” Europeans had responsibility to “save” locals

from “savage” ways Sense of Adventure:

Exploring exotic places = 19th century “extreme” activity

Nationalism: Europeans want their country to win!

TechnologicalTechnological

Shipping Shortcuts: Suez Canal (connected Mediterranean to 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)

Shipping Shortcuts: Suez Canal (connected Mediterranean to 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)

TechnologicalTechnological

Technology: Weaponry (bolt-action rifle, Maxim Gun) Communication (telegraph, telephone)

Disease: European Diseases (smallpox) Tropical Diseases (malaria)

Technology: Weaponry (bolt-action rifle, Maxim Gun) Communication (telegraph, telephone)

Disease: European Diseases (smallpox) Tropical Diseases (malaria)

EconomicEconomic

Industrial Revolution = $$$$ Advertisements used “exotic” elements to sell goods.

Europeans get: Cheap resources Captive customers

Non-Europeans get: Full-time jobs extracting nat. resources for nothing Endless supply of industrial goods to buy

Industrial Revolution = $$$$ Advertisements used “exotic” elements to sell goods.

Europeans get: Cheap resources Captive customers

Non-Europeans get: Full-time jobs extracting nat. resources for nothing Endless supply of industrial goods to buy

Geographic Regions: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.

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…Taking Stock…

What elements of Imperialism were positive?

What elements of Imperialism were negative?

What elements of Imperialism were positive?

What elements of Imperialism were negative?

Which Makes the World Look Like This…

Which Makes the World Look Like This…

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

It was said: “The Sun Never Set on the British Empire.” Why?

Part 2: Motives of Imperialism in Pictures

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?

Motives of Imperialism:

1. Political/Territorial

2. Intellectual

3. Economic

4. Exploratory/Adventure

5. Religious

As you see these images, which apply? Why?