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European Imperialism
Old VS NEW imperialism
Old Imperialism
- leading powers, Spain, Portugal, France, & Brittain
- Seize land through force & settle it with Europeans or establish trading posts
- Exploit resources & gain land to settle: God, Gold, Glory
New Imperialism
- Brittain, France, & Germany
- Invest capital in developing mines, agriculture, & infrastructure. It is controlled through negotiation and force.
- Goals are more complex.
Goals and Motives for Imperialism
- Communist Theory
- Market & Raw materials
- Civilizing mission
- military & political reasons
COMMUNIST THEORY
- According to Lenin: Imperialism was the “monopoly stage of Capitalism” Where the system died and could no longer grow. They condom Imperialism
Problems in the Theory
- Most country’s governments did not invest heavily in colonies
- Capitalism was going strong.
MARKETS AND MATERIALS
- Growing industrial capacity, requires a larger market and materials
- Africa is rich in natural resources
- Improvements in steel production allow for better shipbuilding and rail transportation.
ISSUES
- it was unclear whether the colonies were actually profitable with the exception of India, remarked as a “jewel in the crown”
A Civilizing Mission
- spread Christianity, bringing culture as well
- European Racism, and social Darwinism – argued Europeans were better so it was only natural for them to conquer “inferior” people.
Issues with this theory
- Exploitation and treatment of people are often contrary to humanitarian goals.
THE WHITE MANS BURDEN
- To civilize people
- likely views them as inferior