Age of Imperialism in Africa

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Study Notes

Imperialism is the control one country has over another
Four types: Colonial, Cultural, Political, and Economic
Many countries practiced imperialism in the late 1800s
Africa was divided up by European powers at the Berlin Conference (1884)
Motivations included raw materials, labor, markets, and the "White Man's Burden"
Africa was divided without regard to indigenous people, language, or ethnic groups
Superior weaponry of European powers prevented successful African resistance
Notable resistance movements: Zulu tribe and Boers
African nations mostly gained independence in the 1950s and 1960s
Independence often came with a legacy of poverty and dependence on European nations, lack of knowledge, and education

British East India Company gained power in India
Leading to being called the "Jewel in the Crown" because of its resources.
The company eventually defeated the Mughal Dynasty and controlled India.
Positives: railway, infrastructure, schools, and improved administration
The Sepoy Mutiny (rebellion) occurred due to rumors of rifle cartridges greased with animal fat
British rule was established in 1757 and lasted until 1947
The Indian National Congress formed in 1885 to promote Indian involvement

European interest in China began in the late 1200s, with Marco Polo
China resisted trade and interaction with Europe
Opium trade led to conflict with European powers
This led to the Opium Wars of the 19th century
The British East India company exported opium and China developed a major addiction
China was forced into unequal treaties, and lost territory (like Hong Kong)
Boxer Rebellion (1900) in response to the Open Door Policy
Qing Dynasty ended in 1911, and a civil war followed, leading to the establishment of a communist government in 1949

The Dutch East India Company was formed in 1602 and gained control of the Indonesian islands.
Forced labor, Culture System used to obtain resources
Indonesia was occupied by Japan during WWII, which affected the Dutch rule
Indonesia gained independence in 1949

France gained control of Indochina in the late 1800s
Indochina was formed in 1887, initially by combining Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos then incorporating it
Natural resources in Indochina (rubber, rice) helped fuel French Imperialism
French Indochina gained independence in 1954

The US gained control of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam after the Spanish-American War (1898)
US motivated by economic (markets) and political reasons
Motivations included economic (markets) and political (racial superiority)
Resistance of Filipinos was met with force
Philippines gained independence in 1946
Puerto Rico remains a US territory

Indigenous Australians lived there long before European arrival
European colonization began in 1788
Discovery of gold in 1850s led to increased European migration
Australia became a Commonwealth of Britain in 1901 and gained full independence later