Late 19th-Century Imperialism

Definition

Late 19th-Century Imperialism refers to the intense period of colonial expansion by European powers and the United States from the 1870s to the early 1900s, characterized by the acquisition of vast territories in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. This era was marked by a scramble for colonies fueled by economic interests, national pride, and the belief in cultural superiority, leading to significant political, social, and economic consequences for both the colonizers and the colonized.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 regulated European colonization and trade in Africa, formalizing the division of African territories among European powers.
2. Major players in late 19th-century imperialism included Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and the United States, all competing for control over global resources.
3. Technological advancements in transportation and communication, such as steamships and telegraphs, facilitated overseas expansion and control during this period.
4. Resistance to imperial rule often arose from indigenous populations, leading to conflicts such as the Boer Wars in South Africa and the Sepoy Mutiny in India.
5. The economic motives behind imperialism included the desire for new markets, raw materials for industrial production, and investment opportunities in colonized regions.

Review Questions

• How did the motivations behind late 19th-century imperialism differ among European powers?
  • European powers were driven by a mix of economic interests, nationalistic fervor, and a belief in cultural superiority during late 19th-century imperialism. For example, Britain focused on securing resources for its industrial economy while promoting its cultural values. In contrast, Germany sought to assert its status as a global power through territorial expansion. These differing motivations often resulted in competitive rivalries that fueled further colonization efforts.
• Evaluate the impact of Social Darwinism on justifications for imperialist policies during this time period.
  • Social Darwinism played a significant role in justifying imperialist policies by promoting the idea that stronger nations had a natural right to dominate weaker ones. This belief led to a dehumanization of colonized peoples and rationalized exploitation under the guise of bringing civilization. The ideology not only influenced public opinion in favor of colonial expansion but also provided a framework for understanding racial hierarchies that emerged during this period.
• Assess how technological advancements contributed to the expansion of imperialism in the late 19th century and its effects on global power dynamics.
  • Technological advancements such as steamships and telegraphs dramatically transformed the landscape of imperialism in the late 19th century. These innovations allowed for faster transportation of goods and troops as well as quicker communication between colonies and their home countries. Consequently, imperial powers could exert greater control over distant territories, leading to an increased competition among nations for dominance. This shift not only altered global power dynamics but also laid the groundwork for conflicts arising from imperial rivalry.

Related terms

Scramble for Africa:

The rapid invasion, colonization, and annexation of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century.

Social Darwinism:

A belief that applied Darwin's theory of natural selection to human societies, promoting the idea that stronger nations had a right to dominate weaker ones.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country or territory, often involving settlement and exploitation.