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Table of Contents
Unit 7 Overview: 19th-Century Perspectives and Political Developments
7.1 Context of 19th Century Politics
7.2 Nationalism
7.3 National Unification and Diplomatic Tensions
7.4 Darwinism and Social Darwinism
7.5 The Age of Progress and Modernity
7.6 New Imperialism: Motivations and Methods
7.7 Imperialism’s Global Effects
7.8 19th-Century Culture and Arts
7.9 Causation in 19th Century Perspectives and Political Developments

🇪🇺ap european history review

7.7 Imperialism’s Global Effects

Verified for the 2025 AP European History exam•Citation:

The expansion of European empires during the age of new imperialism between 1815 and 1914 had significant impacts on both Europe and the non-European world. Imperialism contributed to diplomatic tensions, influenced artistic expression, and fostered resistance movements in the colonies, while reshaping societies in both colonizing and colonized nations.

Responses to European Imperialism

Rebellion: Resistance to Foreign Control

Several regions around the world saw uprisings against European colonial rule. The response to imperialism ranged from violent resistance to political movements aiming for autonomy.

China: The Boxer Rebellion

The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) was a violent anti-foreign, anti-Christian movement in China, led by a secret society known as the Boxers. They sought to expel European powers and foreign influence from China.

  • Result: A coalition of European powers, along with Japan and the U.S., intervened militarily to suppress the rebellion. China was forced to sign the Boxer Protocol, which imposed heavy indemnities and further opened China to foreign influence.

India: The Sepoy Mutiny

The Sepoy Mutiny (1857-1858), also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a major uprising against British rule in India. The rebellion was sparked by a variety of factors, including religious tensions, economic grievances, and the disregard for Indian customs by the British East India Company.

  • Outcome: Although the rebellion was suppressed, it led to the dissolution of the British East India Company and the direct control of India by the British Crown.

Africa: Zulu Resistance

The Zulu Kingdom in Southern Africa resisted British expansion in the 19th century under the leadership of King Shaka and later King Cetshwayo.

  • The Anglo-Zulu War (1879): Despite initial success, the Zulu were defeated by the British, who had superior military technology, but Zulu resistance remains a symbol of anti-colonial resistance.

These examples represent the early responses to European imperial domination, signaling a broader wave of resistance in the 20th century.

Effects on European Societies

Imperialism had a profound impact on European diplomacy, culture, and society, influencing both internal European relations and the way Europeans viewed their place in the world.

Diplomatic Tensions and Rivalries

The scramble for colonies among European powers created significant diplomatic friction. Rivalries between nations often flared up over territorial disputes, as evidenced by the Moroccan Crisis.

The Moroccan Crisis (1905)

  • Context: France had established a protectorate over Morocco, which threatened Germany's interests in North Africa.
  • Diplomatic Fallout: Germany’s support for Moroccan independence in 1905 heightened tensions with France and led to the potential for military conflict. This crisis helped solidify the alliances between France and Britain and led to the eventual formation of the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Great Britain).

These diplomatic tensions set the stage for World War I, as the imperial powers' rivalries over colonial holdings influenced military alliances and strategy.

Artists and Writers: Depicting the Impact of Imperialism

European artists and writers both celebrated and criticized imperialism, shaping public opinion about the morality of colonization.

Rudyard Kipling and "The White Man’s Burden"

  • Perspective: Kipling, a pro-imperialist writer, coined the phrase "The White Man’s Burden," presenting imperialism as a noble duty to "civilize" the non-Western world. His works reinforced the idea that Europeans had a moral responsibility to impose their superior civilization on others.
  • Impact: His work helped justify European dominance in colonies, reinforcing Eurocentric views and social Darwinist ideologies that promoted the superiority of the white race.

Joseph Conrad and "Heart of Darkness"

  • Critique of Imperialism: In contrast, Joseph Conrad’s "Heart of Darkness" exposed the brutality and hypocrisy of European colonialism in Africa. Conrad’s portrayal of the exploitation of African peoples by European colonizers questioned the ethical justification of imperial rule.
  • Theme: His narrative focused on the darkness within the human soul, suggesting that imperialism was not just a political system but a morally corrupting force.

Legacy in European Culture

The impacts of imperialism also extended to European culture, as colonial themes of the colonies became pervasive in European art, literature, and intellectual discourse. The image of the "noble savage" and the presentation of colonized peoples as subjects for European civilization were common in cultural works during this period.

Long-Term Impacts of Imperialism

European imperialism left lasting changes both within Europe and in colonized regions, shaping economic, political, and social developments.

Colonial Economic Exploitation

European powers extracted vast amounts of raw materials from their colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. These resources fueled European industries and enabled the growth of capitalist economies. However, the exploitation often left colonized nations economically dependent and underdeveloped.

  • Examples of Exploitation: Resources like rubber, oil, minerals, and agricultural products (e.g., cotton and tobacco) were extracted from colonies for European profit.
  • Legacy: Post-colonial nations struggled with the long-term effects of economic dependency and underdevelopment, contributing to issues of poverty, inequality, and political instability in the 20th century.

Nationalism and Anti-Imperial Resistance

As non-European populations were exposed to Western education, values, and economic systems, they began to develop nationalist movements aimed at gaining independence from imperial powers. The spread of Western ideas such as liberty, equality, and self-determination inspired many colonies to challenge imperial rule.

  • Rise of Nationalism: Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi in India and Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana became symbols of resistance, advocating for independence and the creation of new national identities.
  • Modernization Movements: In some regions, local elites, educated in Western ideals, began to implement reforms aimed at modernizing their economies and societies to break free from colonial influence.

Impact on European Societies

In Europe, imperialism contributed to social and political changes, including the rise of nationalist movements and the reevaluation of imperial policies after World War I.

  • Cultural Exchanges: While imperial powers dominated the colonies, colonized peoples influenced European culture through art, music, literature, and even cuisine.
  • Social Reforms: The ethical questions raised by imperialism, especially after the atrocities of World War I, led to reforms and greater awareness of the consequences of imperial exploitation.

Imperialism's legacy remains a major factor in shaping both the modern world and historical debates surrounding colonialism, independence, and economic justice.

Key Terms to Review (14)

Artists and Writers: Artists and writers are creative individuals who express ideas, emotions, and societal critiques through various forms of visual art, literature, and performance. During periods of imperialism, their works often reflected the complexities and contradictions of colonial expansion, capturing both the allure and the consequences of foreign domination.
Berlin Conference of 1884-1885: The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was a meeting among European powers to establish rules for the colonization and trade in Africa, leading to the so-called 'Scramble for Africa.' This conference marked a significant moment in the effects of imperialism, as it formalized the division of African territories among European nations without regard for existing cultures or political boundaries, fundamentally altering the continent's social, political, and economic landscape.
Boxer Rebellion: The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-foreign, anti-colonial uprising in China that took place from 1899 to 1901, led by a secret society known as the 'Boxers'. This rebellion emerged as a response to imperialist pressures and the influence of foreign powers in China, reflecting the growing resentment against foreign control and exploitation. It was significant as it showcased the tensions created by imperialism and the desperate measures taken by groups within colonized nations to resist foreign domination.
Effects on European Societies: The effects on European societies refer to the significant changes that occurred in various social, economic, and political structures due to imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw transformations in national identities, social hierarchies, and cultural exchanges as European powers expanded their empires across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The legacy of these changes is complex, influencing modern European society's attitudes towards colonialism, race, and migration.
Heart of Darkness: Heart of Darkness is a novella by Joseph Conrad published in 1899, which explores the effects of European imperialism in Africa through the journey of Charles Marlow into the Congo River basin. The work critiques the brutal realities of colonial exploitation and exposes the darkness within humanity and civilization itself, serving as a powerful commentary on the moral ambiguities surrounding imperialism.
Joseph Conrad: Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British author born in 1857, known for his works that explore themes of imperialism, colonialism, and human psychology. His experiences as a sailor in the British merchant navy deeply influenced his writing, often reflecting the moral complexities and dark realities of imperial endeavors. His most famous work, 'Heart of Darkness,' serves as a powerful critique of European imperialism and its dehumanizing effects.
King Cetshwayo: King Cetshwayo was the monarch of the Zulu Kingdom from 1873 to 1879, known for his leadership during the Anglo-Zulu War. His reign was marked by a strong resistance against British imperialism, as he sought to defend Zulu sovereignty and culture amidst increasing colonial pressures.
King Shaka: King Shaka was the leader of the Zulu Kingdom in the early 19th century, known for his military innovations and state-building strategies that transformed the Zulu into a dominant power in Southern Africa. His reign marked significant shifts in regional dynamics, particularly in relation to imperialism and the competition for land and resources during the period of European expansion.
Moroccan Crisis: The Moroccan Crisis refers to two international disputes in the early 20th century between France and Germany over the status of Morocco, which became a flashpoint for tensions leading to World War I. These crises revealed the fragility of European alliances and the aggressive nature of imperialism, as both nations sought to expand their influence in North Africa, ultimately contributing to the complex web of alliances that defined the pre-war era.
Responses to European Imperialism: Responses to European Imperialism refer to the various ways in which colonized nations and societies reacted to the forces of imperialism imposed by European powers. These responses ranged from resistance and rebellion to adaptation and collaboration, influencing the dynamics of power and culture in both the colonizers and the colonized. Understanding these responses helps highlight the complexity of imperialism's impact on global history and the struggles for identity, sovereignty, and autonomy faced by indigenous populations.
Rudyard Kipling: Rudyard Kipling was a British author and poet, best known for his works such as 'The Jungle Book' and 'Kim'. His writings often reflected the themes of British imperialism and the complexities of colonial life, intertwining notions of adventure and moral duty, which connect deeply to ideas of Social Darwinism and the impacts of imperial expansion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sepoy Mutiny: The Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a widespread but ultimately unsuccessful uprising against British rule in India. It marked a significant turning point in the history of British colonialism, leading to major changes in the governance of India and highlighting the deep-seated resentment among Indian soldiers (sepoys) and the general populace toward British imperial policies.
Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. It aimed to establish lasting peace but ultimately sowed the seeds for future conflicts, heavily influencing European politics and international relations in the following decades.
Zulu Resistance: Zulu Resistance refers to the military and cultural efforts of the Zulu Kingdom to oppose British colonial expansion in southern Africa during the 19th century. This resistance is best exemplified by the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, where the Zulu people fought valiantly against British forces, showcasing their military organization and cultural pride. The conflict highlighted the impact of imperialism on indigenous societies and illustrated the struggle for autonomy amidst European encroachment.
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7.8 19th-Century Culture and Arts