New Imperialism

Old vs. New

• Old Imperialism• 15th and 16th centuries• Exploration of uncharted lands

in search of gold & other treasures

• New land to expand kingdoms• Marked by slavery, war,

disease, etc.

Old vs. New

New Imperialism• Late 19th century• Search for natural resources not

available at home• Competition for new lands• Death, disease of indigenous

populations• European migration (except

France, which gained)• Industrialization led to the search

for resources and for new markets (capitalism is growing during this time)

Interpretations and Justifications of

ImperialismEconomic

Natural resources, new markets, opportunity

Cultural/Religious/Social

Cultural and religious superiority

Political The land grab/”spheres of influence”Competition within EuropeCompetition with the United States

Areas of ActivityAfrica (1870 – 1910)

England: Egypt; Anglo-Egyptian Sudan; South Africa; Nigeria; Kenya   France: West Africa; Morocco; Tunisia; Algeria           Belgium: the Congo Germany: Cameroons; Southwest Africa; German East Africa Portugal, Spain, Italy

Areas of ActivityMiddle East: Ottomans lose most of North Africa                        

Iran: England, Russia divide into spheres of influence in 1907 Afghanistan: placed under British sphere of influence, late 19th century                         India: 1857: Sepoy Revolt a British victory. 1858 India becomes a royal colony                    Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia taken by France; Burma, Singapore by Britain                     China: Britain

Imperialism in the Far EastChina resisted westernization – strict laws

governing travel and trade. Europeans were restricted to the City of Canton

British wanted to increase trade with ChinaBritish grew opium in India, smuggled it into ChinaThis was lucrative for both the British gov’t and for the smugglers, both wanted greater access to other provinces1839, the Chinese try to stop the opium tradeBrits refuse to sign an agreement to cease, continue smuggling.Opium Wars (1839 – 1842) beginGreat Britain opens up trade in China by force

Results of the Opium Wars

Chinese ports open to British trade

British goods have favored states in China

British gain control of Hong Kong

Imperialism in Africa

Prior to 1880, European countries controlled less than 10% of African territories

By 1914, European countries controlled more than 90% of Africa

Portuguese first established trade in African in the 15th century

Slave trade grew between 16th and 19th century

Imperialism in Africa

Great African Hunt (1870’s – Early 1900’s)

Competition for territory among European nationsTrading opportunities and missionaries

Belgian CongoPersonal property belonging to King Leopold IIAbuses of laborers led to call for reformTerritory turned over to the Belgian government in 1908

Imperialism in AfricaFrench Possessions

Algeria – captured by Charles XWanted to re-establish power of the BourbonsGained Morocco through diplomacyAccepted the British claim to Egypt

German PossessionsBegan to colonize after unification in 1871Wanted claims to territory in East Africa in order to separate British coloniesAcquired colonies to improve diplomatic positioning

Imperialism in Africa

British PossessionsFrench gained rights to build Suez canal in 1869British needed canal for transportation to IndiaPurchased a major interest in the canal in 1875Establishes control of Egypt in 1880’s, advances to Sudan