Imperialism Review PDF

# Review ## The Expansion of European Influence. * Imperialism brought modernization to many parts of the world and established several Western nations as world powers. * The search for low-cost raw materials inspired European powers to colonize territories that were rich in resources. * Colonies...

# Review ## The Expansion of European Influence. * Imperialism brought modernization to many parts of the world and established several Western nations as world powers. * The search for low-cost raw materials inspired European powers to colonize territories that were rich in resources. * Colonies provided new places to live for the rapidly growing European population. * European countries founded three types of territories: colonies, protectorates, and spheres of influence. * Some European countries such as France frequently used direct rule to control their colonies, while others, such as the United Kingdom, often used indirect rule. * European countries used nationalism and social Darwinism to justify imperial actions. They believed that the Western way of life was superior to the way their colonists lived. * Europeans sent missionaries to their colonies to spread Western religion and culture. ## Why does it matter? * The Industrial Revolution left developed nations with a need for raw materials. * The search for these materials had significant effects on international relations throughout the world. * Western nations gained power and influence in Africa, India, China, Southeast Asia, and Latin America through military force and trade agreements. The United Kingdom took over the Asian country of Burma (present-day Myanmar) in 1885. ## Imperialism in Africa and the Middle East * The availability of resources and the decline of other empires led Europeans to expand into Africa and the Middle East in the late 1800s. * Africa's many natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and platinum, made the continent an appealing target for European imperialism. * At the Berlin Conference of 1884, European powers made the Congo River Basin a site for European free trade and clarified how European powers could claim African territory. * Africans were not present at the Berlin Conference and had no say over how their land was divided, which led to feelings of resentment toward European nations. * African nations openly resisted and battled European imperialism. * Ethiopia and Liberia retained their independence. * European powers took advantage of the decline of Ottoman Empire to expand in the Middle East. * European imperialism brought important technology and infrastructure to the Middle East, including the construction of the Suez Canal. * Colonization of the Middle East led to clashes between Christians and Muslims. ## Why does it matter? * Imperialism spread through Africa and the Middle East. * The methods Europeans used to secure power had a direct effect on the natives who fell under their control. * The response to colonization had much to do with how they were colonized. * Resistance to colonization often ended in violence. ## Imperialism in India, China, and the Pacific Islands * On their imperialist conquest to secure raw materials, European powers met with varying degrees of local opposition and resistance. * Great Britain had a trade relationship with India but shifted its focus to conquest, colonizing most of India by 1800. * The British made reforms that went against Hindu traditions, leading to resentment from natives of India. * The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 resulted in the British crown taking control. * Under British rule, India was exposed to new technologies and ideas from the Industrial Revolution, which brought wealth and education to India. * However, British rule disrupted India's social order and fueled resentment among many Indians. This contributed to the emergence of Indian nationalism. * The British East India Company illegally traded opium to China, angering China's Qing Dynasty. * The British defeated China in the Opium Wars leading to treaties in which the United Kingdom and other European powers gained trading rights in China. * The Chinese rejected imperialism with the Boxer Rebellion. Although unsuccessful, it encouraged the emergence of Chinese nationalism. * European powers colonized the remote Pacific Islands because of their location along trade routes and their natural resources in addition to growing concern over Germany's power. ## Why does it matter? * The opposition and resistance to European colonization had lasting impacts throughout the world. * Exposure to Western technology, infrastructure, and ideas led to a rise in nationalism that inspired many colonies to seek independence. ## Imperialism in Latin America * The Monroe Doctrine set the stage for U.S. imperialism in Latin America. * Although politically independent, Latin American countries once again became dependent on the developed world, causing economic and political problems. * Latin American countries exported raw goods and imported finished goods, money, and technical knowledge. * These countries were unable to gain trade advantage due to their dependence on foreign products. * Large investments flooded Latin America, and outside investors interfered in local politics. * The Monroe Doctrine called for European powers to stop expanding into Latin America. * Although the Monroe Doctrine was established in 1823, the United States did not have the power to enforce it until the 1870s. * The Spanish-American War was inspired by growing nationalism and encouraged by journalism. * The Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War, gave the United States control of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico and a military and political presence in Cuba. * The Roosevelt Corollary was established to give the United States international police powers. * The construction of the Panama established the United States as a global power and made Latin America an important player in global trade. ## Why Does it Matter? * Latin American imperialism differed from earlier imperialism in the East. * The countries of Latin America were independent, but political doctrines were used to exercise power to protect them and benefit the United States. * Control over Latin American territories gave the United States an economic advantage and helped it become a global power in both economic and military terms.