Colonialism and Imperialism

Colonialism & Imperialism

• Both colonialism and imperialism are phenomena found throughout history.
• European imperialism's classical age occurred in the late 19th century.

Colonialism

• It involves extending a nation's authority over other territories or people, often for economic reasons.

Imperialism

• It refers to building an empire of colonies.
• It's considered both the highest stage of capitalism and the exploitation of weaker nations by more powerful ones.
• Imperialism can manifest peacefully or aggressively.

Colonialism as a Result of Industrial Revolution (IR)

• Colonialism emerged as an indirect consequence of the industrial revolution.
• This era saw the rise of advanced (rich and powerful) and traditional (impoverished) societies, with the traditional societies often relying on the advanced ones.
• The IR gave Europeans an edge through better communication, medical care, infrastructure, and superior weapons.
• The threat of force was often sufficient for Europeans to exploit colonies.

Effects of Colonialism

• Modernity was introduced to the colonies, but at a high price.
• Ethnocentricity, specifically the presumed superiority of the white race, led to contempt for other cultures.
• Discrimination and brutality against native populations were justified.
• Europeans viewed colonialism as the "White Man's Burden" to educate and civilize inferior races.
• However, less noble reasons motivated Europeans who were passionate colonizers.

"The White Man's Burden"

• Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden," written in 1899, reflects views on imperialism and colonialism at the time.
• Kipling encouraged Western nations to embrace empire-building.
• He presented a paternalistic viewpoint where colonizing and "civilizing" non-Western people was seen as a moral obligation.

Effects of Colonialism on India

• Lord Macaulay believed that India could not be conquered because of its high morals unless its spiritual and cultural heritage were destroyed.
• There was a belief that if Indians accepted all that was foreign and English, they would lose self-esteem and become easily dominated.

Types of Imperialism

• Colonies: regions under full/partial political control of another country, usually occupied by settlers.
• Mandates: regions assigned to a foreign power under a League of Nations mandate.
• Protectorates: states partially controlled and protected by another but retain sovereignty.
• Spheres of influence: claims by a nation to have exclusive/predominant control over a foreign area.

Incentives and Motives for Imperialism

• Economic, technologic, scientific, exploration, experimentation
• Intellectual, cultural, religious, humanitarian
• Adventure opportunities like safaris and hunting.
• Reducing excess population through immigration in some cases.
• Although missions might have been in good faith, they were accompanied by self-interest, exploitation, cruelty, and discrimination.
• One European view was it's desirable for the earth to be governed by progressed races and nations.

Political Reasons for Colonialism

• Colonies had a direct effect on European politics.
• Colonies added to national pride, helped with financial gain, and provided countries with more power.

Global Phenomenon

• Spain, Portugal, England, and France were among the first.
• The United States took Hawaii (1898), Puerto Rico and Cuba (1899), the Philippines(1947) and Panama Canal (1977).
• Japan took Korea and China (1910-1945).

Colonies in Middle East

• British: Egypt
• France: Algeria & Tunisia
• Italy: Ethiopia & Libya

Arab League

The Arab League consists of 22 countries:

• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Comoros Islands
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Mauritania
• Morocco
• Oman
• Palestine
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tunisia
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen

Colonialism in Africa

• The worst colonialism occurred in Africa; 16th century West Africa was exploited by the slave trade.
• Early Africans likely viewed white men over the barrel of a gun.
• Europeans claimed colonialism sacrifices were to reduce damage from the slave trade.
• Missionaries actively converted people, and the military enforced the rules.

Negative Reaction to Colonialism

• The general public was unaware of the atrocities.
• They were advocates of human rights.
• Governments faced a dilemma between national pride in colonialism and public opposition.
• To address this, governments bribed the public by offering capitalists' incentives, facilitating investments in the private sector, developing infrastructure, and improving the quality of life in colonies

Impact on European Labor

• European laborers were anxious about losing jobs to cheaper labor.
• Governments guaranteed European labor would always be better trained and specialized, leading to higher earnings.
• Natives were seen as beneficial consumers.

Valuable Raw Material from Africa

• Natural rubber became essential during the Industrial Revolution.
• Extraction of rubber sap from trees was strenuous and required many workers.

King Leopold II

• Leopold II, King of Belgium and nicknamed the "Killer King" and "Butcher of the Congo," was heavily active in importing rubber from the Congo basin.
• As a result, 3-5 million Africans died in the Congo Basin alone, and the atrocities shocked the European public.

Berlin Conference

• Otto von Bismarck called a 14-nation Berlin Conference in 1884 to create a peaceful solution.
• The conference laid down rules for dividing Africa, preventing conflict among Europeans.
• African interests were the least of their worries.

Effective Occupation

• A European country interested in any region in Africa would give notice to the other countries and establish actual or effective control.
• Control would be established through a military & administrative system.
• Motivations included using African natural resources, establishing key military/trade outposts, and demonstrating national strength.

Strategy for Colonization

• Military force often led to violent conflicts and displacement of communities.
• Complex agreements with local rulers were mostly forced and misunderstood leading to exploitation.

Overall Outcome of Colonialism in Africa

• Full colonization of Africa had lasting consequences: loss of sovereignty, economic exploitation, cultural/social disruption, and imposition of European ideologies.
• Effective Occupation justified the presence of Europeans, but contributed to tensions because ethnic diversity was ignored.

Colonial Race

• Colonial Race became inevitable.

Fashoda Incident

• The Fashoda Incident was the first dispute between Britain and France.
• France sent an expedition commanded by Jean-Baptiste Marchand from Dakar to Djibouti to control the upper Nile basin.
• British-Egyptian forces confronted them at Fashoda, and the French withdrew under heavy pressure.
• No fighting was involved.
• Fashoda was projected on European Politics; there was a war scare between France and Britain.
• The British gained full control in Egypt, and France was the dominant power in Morocco.
• Although the public in both countries was provoked and annoyed.

Boer Wars

• The Boer Wars occurred in 1860 and 1899; The word "Boer" comes from the Dutch word for farmer.
• Since the 17th century, Boers settled in South Africa, but British expansion pushed them inland towards the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal.
• The British attempted to annex Transvaal during the First Boer War (1880-1881).
• Boer guerrilla fighters later forced the British to retreat.
• The Boers gained self-government in Transvaal through the Treaty of Pretoria in 1881; it remained under British partial control.
• During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), the British were troubled about vital trade routes to India.
• They were concerned with diamonds, gold in Transvaal and competition from European colonial powers.
• The Second World War was an opportunity for Germany to challenge British Imperial power.

German Involvement

• Germany showed support for the Boer cause but did not send troops.
• A few volunteers from Dutch, Belgian, and French states were sent.
• Germany provided military assistance with ammunition and weaponry, while German ships were stationed in specific areas.
• Germany's involvement strained Anglo-Germany relations and influenced the war.
• Germany's and Britain's strained relationship played a role in leading up to World War 1.
• The British eventually won the war.

Creation of Union of South Africa

• Transvaal and Orange Free State transitioned into British colonies.
• In 1910, the Union of South Africa was declared.
• The devastating effects of Boer & Africa culture damaged the British image and worsened international relations. As a result, this steered the way towards confrontations.
• In 1948, elections marked the beginning of Apartheid.

Apartheid System

• Apartheid was a policy of racial segregation and discrimination.
• The population was divided into 4 racial groups: White, black, colored, and Indian.
• The non-white majority was restricted from education, employment, and healthcare.
• Relationships between races were banned.
• Living and working were only allowed in segregated areas or cities.
• Non-whites were denied the right to vote or participate in government.
• The white minority had all political power.

End of Apartheid

• Over time, anti-apartheid movements intensified.
• The African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela, played a central role through protests, strikes, and armed struggles.
• The global community imposed sanctions and boycotted South African goods, sports, and cultural events.
• Apartheid officially ended in 1994.
• Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa.
• The country switched to democracy.