Age of Imperialism in Africa

Age of Imperialism

• 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

Africa

• European nations met at the Berlin Conference to divide Africa
• Meeting in 1884
• European countries disregarded the culture, language, and ethnicity of Africa
• Scramble for Africa
• European nations wanted raw materials and labor supplies
• Superior weaponry made it difficult for Africans to fight back

India

• 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

China

• 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

Indonesia

• 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

Malay Peninsula

• Britain ruled Burma (Myanmar) from 1824-1948
• Burma's resources were important
• Japanese invasion during WWII
• Burma gained independence in 1948

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia (Indochina)

• 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

Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam

• 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

Australia

• 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