Chapter 32 - The Building of Global Empires
Discuss direct rule, its pros and cons.
Direct rule was the French model - administrative districts led by Europeans assuming responsibility for taxes, labor, military recruitment, and maintenance of law and order. Replaced strong African positions with Europeans and was meant to keep citizens in order (justified through the "civilising mission"), but there were not enough Europeans to do so. There was limited control due to long distances, slow communications, and inability to speak each other's language.
Roosevelt Corollary
Due to U.S. interest in Latin America, the Roosevelt Corollary was added to the Monroe Doctrine. Exerted the U.S. right to intervene in domestic affairs of hemispheric nations if they did not exhibit the security deemed necessary to protect U.S. investments.
Boers Significance
Dutch settlers of South Africa who experienced great tension with Britain. Had believed that they were chosen by G-d to claim the resources and people of the cape.
Colonial rule dramatically altered the environment in which of the following places? A) India, due to tea production B) Ceylon, due to tea production C) Malaya, due to rubber production D) Sumatra, due to rubber production E) All these answers are correct.
E) All these answers are correct.
The Mughal dynasty fell primarily because A) the state had been weakened by conflicts during the reign of Aurangzeb. B) the East India Company established powerful, coastal trading forts. C) British merchants gained access to interior territories. D) the sepoy mutiny failed to drive the British out of India. E) All these answers are correct.
E) All these answers are correct.
The scramble for Pacific island colonies in the late nineteenth century was motivated by A) the desire for tropical produce. B) the need to defend the whaling industry. C) concerns about Japanese expansion to nearby islands. D) the desire for strategic ports and refueling stations in the Pacific Ocean. E) All these answers are correct.
E) All these answers are correct.
Which of the following improved communication between India and Britain? A) completion of the Suez Canal B) use of steamships C) invention of the telegraph D) laying of submarine cables E) All these answers are correct.
E) All these answers are correct.
Cecil Rhodes was A) the British military leader who was responsible for a boom in naval expansion. B) the American politician who articulated the belief in manifest destiny. C) responsible for the philosophy known as social Darwinism. D) the first leader of an independent Canada. E) a leading British imperialist active in south Africa.
E) a leading British imperialist active in south Africa.
How and why did the European presence in Africa dramatically change in the last decades of the 1800s?
Early explorers charted the water, gathering information on resources within Africa. This led to many going to explore unvisited areas. Missionaries such as David Livingstone had set up mission posts, and adventurers simply wanted to seek information. Gained information on the Nile, Niger, Congo, and Zambezi rivers, gaining access to the inland.
How did the terms of the colonial rule of India change in 1858?
Britain not only abolished the Mughal Empire and exiled emperor Muhammad Bahadur Shah to Burma, but also abolished the East India company so that the British government could directly rule over India. Viceroys representing Britain were established and civil service positions were taken by British officers who formulated domestic and foreign policy. Indians held low-level bureaucratic positions. Britain extended territory, cleared forests, encouraged valuable crops, restructured landholdings, built systems of railroads and telegraphs, and established canals and English-styled schools. Did not interfere with Indian culture or religion, although they outlawed customs considered offensive.
What was the cause and outcome of the Boer War?
Britain realized that Boer land had lots of minerals, included gold and diamonds. Due to a rapid influx of miners, tensions were born, leading to the South African war. Britain won, rejoining colonies to become provinces in the Union of South Africa.
The Battle of Omdurman clearly demonstrated that A) Europeans were morally superior to Africans. B) Japan had become a major world power. C) European troops with modern weapons could subdue a vast native army. D) Britain had fallen behind Germany by the end of the nineteenth century. E) None of these answers is correct.
C) European troops with modern weapons could subdue a vast native army.
Panama was supported in its uprising against Colombia by U.S. president A) Grover Cleveland. B) William Howard Taft. C) Theodore Roosevelt. D) William McKinley. E) Woodrow Wilson.
C) Theodore Roosevelt.
Battle of Omdurman Significance
A demonstration of British military feats - killed 11,000 in 5 hours. Opened the door for British colonialism in Sudan.
Panama Canal
Colombia was initially unwilling, but US made policies and supported a rebellion that won. Eventually got permission to build canal. Supported rebellion that gained independence, won canal. Had large economic and human costs, however. Served as a massive shortcut between Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and this type of geopolitical strategy allowed US to become a world power.
Aguinaldo's Rebellion
Filipino nationalists revolting against Spain and eventually US rule. Due to exposure to European ideals of freedom. Aguinaldo defeated Spanish forces, declared independence, and became president, but US refused to recognize the new government. The Philippines then declared war on the US, and the US won. Philippines lost Philippine-American War, but in 1946, the US finally gave them independence.
New Zealand Wars
Maori taken advantage of by the British, forced to sign a treaty giving up their sovereignty. Forced into poor rural communities. The Maori lost a lot of land and were put into separate settlements.
Firearms
Maxim gun was cooled by a water jacket and prominent in WWI. Sold to European powers for imperialization, huge destructive power, used for military use.
Cecil Rhodes Significance
Monopolized diamond mining and trade, and wanted to use Cape colony as a starting point for British imperialism.
Gunboats
Naval power - forced many countries to open diplomatic relationships.
Social Darwinism
Survival of the fittest in society. Revisionist history - those who were successful have an inherent reason within them.
Suez Canal
A canal connecting red sea to mediterranean sea. Britain considered a disruption of British trade with the French, but the canal was completed in 1869. Decreased travel time between East and West. Removed need to travel around africa.
The Dutch East Indies Significance
A productive southeastern colony ruled by the Dutch East India Company.
Sino-Japanese War Significance
A war between Japan and China for Korea. Japan crushed and drove out China, ceding Korea, Taiwan, the Pescadores islands, and the Liaodong peninsula.
Russo-Japanese War Significance
A war between Japan and Russia over the Liaodong peninsula. Japan won, becoming recognized as a major imperial power.
Unlike the British in India, the French in Indochina A) encouraged conversion to Christianity. B) recruited local peoples into their colonial army. C) worked closely with local elites. D) promoted domestic industries. E) had no obvious racial bias.
A) encouraged conversion to Christianity.
Japan Seizing Korea
After winning the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, Japan gained international recognition of Korea. Fought those wars in order to keep business interests. Japan treated Korea incredibly harshly, and once Japan lost it, it was split into North and South halves. Comfort women were one particularly awful aspect of the treatment, and due to all of this, Korea has great disdain for Japan.
The Great Game Significance
Competition between Russia and Britain in central Asia in preparation of a war over India which never happened.
Gobineau Significance
Divided humanity into different races, each with particular traits, to justify scientific racism.
Social Darwinism & Spencer Significance
Prime believers of scientific racism who believed that evolution and survival of the fittest served as evidence for European superiority.
New Zealand Wars
The British forced Maori people to sign the Treaty of Waitangi, bringing New Zealand under British protection. Britain took it as full colonial power. Conflict broke out over Britain trying to take over Maori sovereignty, leading to the New Zealand wars - military confrontation of Maori groups and Britain. Britain eventually forced Maori into poor rural communities away from their settlements.
Aside from violence, what were other ways that colonized people rebelled?
The Maji-Maji rebellion believed that the use of magic practices would protect them from German weapons. Otherwise, resistance included boycotts, political parties, and anticolonial publications.
Kipling's "White Man's Burden" Significance
The duty of Europeans and Euro-Americans to bring order and enlightenment to distant lands.
Gobineau
A prime example of scientific racism - divided humanity into racial groups with peculiar traits, deeming Europeans the ideal specimen.
Imperialism
Contemporarily known as the domination of European powers, the US, and Japan over other countries through trade, investment, or business. Domination of industrialized countries over subject lands.
The "Great Game" refers to the A) British and French rivalry for control of India. B) German conflict with the British and French for control of Africa. C) U.S. view of their easy victory in the Spanish-American War. D) Japanese and Chinese contest for domination of Manchuria. E) Russian contest with Britain for central Asia.
E) Russian contest with Britain for central Asia.
Tea Significance
Tea found great popularity once Ceylon became a source of tea plantations.
Imperialism Significance
The domination of industrialized countries over subject lands.
Aguinaldo
Emilio Aguinaldo was the leader of Filipino rebels who fought against intruding Americans. This was due to the fact the America had promised to fight for Filipino independence after forming an alliance against Spain, but instead bought it after the Spanish-Cuban American war. There was a civil war, killing 2,000 Filipinos, which ended in U.S. victory.
Displacement of Aboriginals
European settler groups, especially the British, pushed aboriginals from their land in australia, viewing it as unclaimed. In New Zealand, the British government manipulated Maori leaders into signing a treaty giving up their sovereignty. Pushed into the interior, and the concept of "terra nullius" (a land without people) persisted.
Roosevelt Corollary Significance
Exerted the U.S. right to intervene in domestic affairs of hemispheric nations if they did not exhibit the security deemed necessary to protect U.S. investments.
Herero Genocide
Germany gained control of Namibia, settling and facing immediate conflict. Germany responded by killing as many people as possible. Germany policy to create controversy and chaos in Namibia. Any Herero found on German territory was to be shot and killed. Poisoned all water sources and put people in concentration camps. In the end, all natives were pushed into the desert. Camps were dismantled in 1908. Tensions still exist.
Meji-Meji Rebellion
Germany owned Tanzania and ruled rather brutally. Horrible drought occurred and Germany stored all the food. Natives attacked a cotton plant and killed many German soldiers. Sparked more rebellions. Revolt eventually failed in humiliation. Meji-meji water was considered to be magical water that would repel German bullets. Continued racism afterwards.
Indian National Congress & All-India Muslim League
Important British approved reform groups. Indian National Congress was an area for educated Indians to speak out about societal concerns with the British. All-India Muslim League - worked for the political and social interest of Muslims. Indian nationalism and independence movement became huge.
What were the circumstances of the Sepoy Mutiny, and what was the outcome?
In 1857, there was an uprising by the sepoys against the English East India company. Sepoys were given guns with cartridges lubricated in pig and cow fat, which they would need to bite off in order to use their weapons. This was considered incredibly insulting to Muslims and Hindus, so the soldiers refused to use the cartridges, resulting in a mutiny. The rebellion grew, becoming a war for Indian independence from Britain. However, attacks on British civilians led to swift British reprisals, leading to a British victory.
Sino-Japanese War
Japan had taken advantage of unequal treaty with Korea. A Korean rebellion took place, and the Qing dynasty tried to assert control. Japan declared war on China to protect business interests. Japan crushed and drove out China in a 5-hour battle. Ceded Korea, Taiwan, Pescadores islands, and the Liaodong peninsula.
King Leopold & Congo Free State
King Leopold II of Belgium (1865-1909) had Henry Morton Stanley develop commercial ventures, establishing the colony of Congo Free State. Congo was supposed to be a free-trade zone for all European territories to forestall competition, but in actuality, it was a personal colony with brutal working conditions, forced labor, rubber plantations, and humanitarian disapproval. The Belgian government took control in 1908, creating Belgian Congo.
Railroads
Less for opening up for trade, now for transporting goods between colonies. Enabled officials and armies to travel between colonies quicker, facilitated trade, and distributed goods.
What were some of the imperialists' cultural justifications?
Missionaries found overseas colonies ample location to find new Christian converts. Many missionaries also opposed imperialism, however, defending converts' interests. Many Europeans wanted to bring overseas countries to "civilization". Mission civilisatrice (civilizing mission) was used as a reason for imperialisation. Rudyard Kipling (1864-1936) defined "White man's burden" as the duty of European and Euro-American peoples to bring order and enlightenment to distant lands.
What were the various issues that caused colonized peoples to rebel?
New policies led to people of different societies interacting with each other, and interactions often led to violent conflict. Revolts were held against colonial rule - ex: sepoy rebellion. Many rebellions, such as the Maji-Maji rebellion, were due to religious beliefs. Diverse cultures interacting with each other due to colonization often led to conflict within groups.
Discuss the main economic motives for imperialism.
Overseas colonies were vital when it came to raw materials (rubber, copper, and petroleum). Colonies would consume imperial manufactured products, and believed that they would be a safe haven for migrants. Economic merchants and entrepreneurs made personal fortunes, and colonies were potential markets for industrial products.
Monroe Doctrine
President James Monroe made a proclamation warning Europe against imperialism in the western hemisphere. Proclaimed the Americas as a U.S. protectorate, justifying U.S. intervention in hemispheric affairs. U.S. had informal influence and guaranteed free trade. Purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 and had a protectorate over Hawaii, later annexing it.
How was cotton production transformed in India?
Production of cotton was reorganized to be for export instead of self-consumption. Introduced railroads for fast trade. Shipped raw cotton for British factories to produce high-quality textiles. Served the British textile industry, and inexpensive imported textiles undermined Indian production. Shifted from the central cotton manufacturer to raw cotton supplier and textile consumer.
Who generally led the reform movements in India?
Ram Mohan Roy was the father of modern India, believing that India should be governed with European knowledge and Indian culture. He and other hindu reformers wanted more Indian impact on government and reform, often spreading word through the press. Many reform groups helped in the process. The Indian National Congress was an area for educated Indians to speak out about societal concerns with the British, and the All-India Muslim League worked for the political and social interest of muslims. Indian nationalism and the effort for independence became a strong, durable movement.
Kipling's "White Man's Burden"
Rudyard Kipling defined "White Man's burden" as the duty of European and Euro-American peoples to bring order and enlightenment to distant lands. A form of cultural justification for imperialism.
How did scientific racism help to underpin imperialism?
Scientific racism was the academic justification of racism. Believed that race was an index of human potential, viewing Europeans as the ideal race. Darwin believed "survival of the fittest", meaning that the most evolved people would be the best within society. Spencer believed evolution explained differences between successful strong people and the weak, justifying European domination. Gobineau divided humanity into racial groups with peculiar traits. All upheld Europeans as the ideal.
Discuss indirect rule, its pros and cons.
The British model - ruling through indigenous institutions. Worked in stronger African states, but assumed firm tribal boundaries where often none existed. Only worked in organized societies. Aslo faced difficulties in determining where African institutions should end and European institutions should start.
East India Company
The East India Company gained permission to build posts on Indian coastlines, eventually taking advantage of Mughal decline by expanding their trade posts (ex: Calcutta, Madras, Bombay), beginning the conquest of India. Conquered autonomous Indian kingdoms, leaving Mughals Delhi. "Doctrine of lapse" - if an Indian ruler had no male heir, the territory lapsed to the company. Enforced rule with sepoys, who later rebelled. Crushed the sepoy rebellion, but the East India co. was later abolished so the British government could rule over India.
Who has the real power in "Shooting an Elephant"?
The English are in power, and as much as he hates it, Orwell serves as an English officer. Two strong demonstrations of this are found in the last paragraph: the elephant's owner is unable to do anything about his situation due to the fact that he was an Indian, and the Englishmen reflected on the situation by talking about how much more valuable an elephant is than an Indian. The mob of 2000 people were also at a large power, and their threat of being laughed at caused George to be powerless but to shoot the elephant. He is being manipulated by the ideas of imperialism.
How did America expand in the late 1800s?
The Monroe doctrine warned Europe against imperialism in the western hemisphere and justified U.S. intervention in hemispheric affairs. Purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 and later formed a protectorate and annexed Hawaii. Won Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam, and the Philippines after winning the Spanish-Cuban American war. Later established the Panama canal in order to facilitate communication and transportation, and access to the Atlantic and Pacific.
Battle of Adwa Significance
The battle by which Ethiopia defeated Italian forces, evading colonization.
How was Rhodes's reputation revived?
The concept of the Rhodes scholarship, ties to the elite in Great Britain, had made Britain rich at the time, and is considered justified in "civilizing" Africa, leading him to be portrayed as a heroic figure.
Great Trek Significance
The eastern migration of Boers due to British-Dutch tensions.
Aguinaldo Significance
The leader of Filipino rebels who fought against intruding Americans.
The Dutch East Indies
There was Dutch rule over many southeast Asian islands, and the Dutch East India company tightened control over the Dutch East Indes - the archipelago making up modern Indonesia. It was a productive colony due to cash crops of sugar, tea, coffee, and tobacco, and exports of rubber and tin.
Why was there a huge surge in indentured servants? From where did they originate and where did they end up?
There were about 2.5 million indentured laborers working on tropical and subtropical plantations. Migrants from Asia, Africa, and Pacific islands were generally indentured laborers. Laborers replaced slaves as slavery decreased, and labor recruiters provided basic needs and modest compensation for work. Most laborers were from India (Indian laborers to the pacific). Indentured labor started with sending Indian people to work on rubber plantations. Many Chinese and Japanese laborers.
Invading Haiti
Threatened by German ambitions in Haiti, the US sought to preserve their power and exploitation of Haiti. Mob attacked the capital and led to a rewrite of the constitution to promote. 19 year occupation and a Pro-US constitution. Exploitative control of occupation left Haiti in shambles.
Annexation of Hawaii
US used Hawaii for sugar trade and had plans to overthrow the queen in order to maintain queen and sugar trade. Rebellion occurred in Hawaii against the queen and the US helped (without president Cleveland's permission). Once McKinley took office, US took annexation of Hawaii.
What caused strife among the different groups in South Africa?
When Britain entered the areas settled by the Boers, they imposed English code, abolishing slavery. This had destroyed a large section of the Boer economy, and due to this, they went on the Great Trek and settled more towards the east. Even still, Britain realized that their land had a bountiful amount of minerals, leading to tensions yet again, resulting in the South African war. Britain won said war, rejoining the colonies to become provinces in the Union of South Africa.
Paternalism
a closely related idea to imperialism - believing that one such nation should be like 'fathers' to the nation they imperialise. The attitude by which a privileged/superior owes it to an inferior to take care of and provide for them.
Great Trek
Due to British-Dutch tensions, Boers migrated east on the Great Trek. Although they faced some resistance in the lands they settled in, they easily crushed it and eventually made their own Republics: Natal, Orange Free State, and the South African Republic.
Proponents of "scientific racism" argued that A) race could be biologically defined and characterized. B) western dominance was justified on the basis on racial superiority. C) the theories of Charles Darwin supported world dominance by the "fittest" races. D) people of European descent were morally superior to other races. E) All these answers are correct.
E) All these answers are correct.
The United States acquired Hawai`i by A) secretly sponsoring a rebellion against the Hawaiian monarchy. B) means of a purchase treaty with the Hawaiian people. C) seizing the islands by force in order to obtain a naval base in the Pacific. D) purchasing the islands from Spain in the wake of the Spanish-American War. E) annexing the islands after American planters had overthrown the monarchy.
E) annexing the islands after American planters had overthrown the monarchy.
The Berlin West Africa Conference in 1884-1885 established A) the procedures for purchasing African lands from local rulers. B) the rules of military engagement for European forces overseas. C) that the Americas were off-limits for further European colonization. D) that Africa would be carved into spheres of influence similar to those of China. E) that, if a European power indicated its intention to colonize and then proceeded to occupy an African territory, it could claim that colony.
E) that, if a European power indicated its intention to colonize and then proceeded to occupy an African territory, it could claim that colony.
Under British imperial rule, India was governed A) as a private colony of Queen Victoria. B) as an independent sovereign state, but subject to British authority in foreign affairs. C) as the private domain of the East India Company. D) by a viceroy working in collaboration with Indian princes. E) with British bureaucrats and officers overseeing Indian civil servants.
E) with British bureaucrats and officers overseeing Indian civil servants.
Battle of Omdurman
A 1898 battle in which the British army had 20 machine guns and 6 gunboats, encountered a Sudanese force, and killed 11,000 in 5 hours. Opened the door for British colonialism in Sudan.
Maji-Maji Rebellion
A Tanganyika rebellion to expel German authority - believed the maji-maji (magic water) could protect them from German weapons. Needless to say, this did not work out.
Quinine
A medication made of ground bark in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador that was brought by Jesuits to Europe - tonic became popular in Spain. Put into gin to treat malaria and babesiosis.
New Zealand Wars Significance
A military confrontation between Maori groups and Britain, eventually ending with Britain forcing the Maori into poor rural communities away from their settlements.
Maji-Maji Rebellion Significance
A religious rebellion that believed magic could end the rampage caused by German weaponry.
Pressure for reform in British India came from A) educated Indians seeking self-rule. B) educated Indian women seeking greater independence. C) Indian Muslims seeking independence from the Hindu majority. D) Indian peasants and workers mobilized into unions. E) enlightened British rulers who felt that India was ready for self-government.
A) educated Indians seeking self-rule.
One striking difference between the British and the French imperial models in Africa is that A) the British preferred to use local institutions to control subject populations. B) the French preferred to employ local rulers to govern their colonies. C) the British established schools and academies to train African civil servants to run their colonies, while the French did not. D) many more British citizens relocated to Africa to administer their colonies than did French citizens. E) the British actively sought to convert Africans to Christianity, while the French did not.
A) the British preferred to use local institutions to control subject populations.
British rule undermined the Indian cotton industry by A) undercutting the cost of Indian cloth with cheap British textiles. B) forbidding the manufacture of cotton cloth in India. C) imposing tariffs on cotton cloth imported into India. D) imposing tariffs on cotton cloth shipped from India to Britain. E) means of the monopolistic practices of the East India Company.
A) undercutting the cost of Indian cloth with cheap British textiles.
Canals
Allowed transportation of heavy objects over large distances, efficient transportation, and decreased time needed for the distribution of manufactured goods.
Monroe Doctrine Significance
America made a proclamation warning Europe against imperialism in the western hemisphere and justifying U.S. intervention in hemispheric affairs.
How did the U.S. come to control the Panama Canal zone?
America sought a canal across central America to facilitate communication and transportation. Colombia refused to allow the canal, but the U.S. supported a rebellion that won, winning the rights to build the canal. The canal was completed in 1914 - gave U.S. access to the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Cecil Rhodes
An oxford student visiting Africa to relieve his tuberculosis. Monopolized South African diamond mining and 90% of the world's diamond mining. Also had a good stake in gold trade. Prime minister of the British cape colony. Used Cape colony as a starting point for British imperialism - wanted to encompass the globe.
What might the effect of a story like "Stanley Finds Livingstone" be on a European audience, and therefore on imperialism?
As opposed to "Heart of Darkness"'s grim take on imperialization, "Stanley Finds Livingstone" is much more positive, being that Livingstone appears to have been 'enlightened' due to being a part of the African society. It appears to demonstrate the imperialization is good for all parties, spreading positivity towards the concept. Attests to the power of Europeans and their ability to overcome and prevail in adverse situations.
How was the imperialist approach to the Pacific islands different at first, and what changed?
At first, the most common people on the Pacific islands were whalers, merchants, and missionaries. There was the occasional naval show of force, but otherwise, European forces had no interest in direct colonial rule at first. The scramble for Africa caused Europeans to stake claims for the Pacific. They wanted good coaling colonies and naval ports. They established many pacific colonies, and decided on a partition of Oceania. The islands had great importance economically due to exports of sugarcane, copra, and guano. By 1900, all islands but Tonga were claimed by France, Britain, Germany, and the United States.
Which of the following would NOT be typical of labor migration patterns in the age of empire? A) Chinese migrants to plantations in Cuba B) German migrants to plantations in the Congo C) Indian migrants to plantations in the Caribbean D) Irish migrants to factories and railroads in the United States E) Japanese migrants to plantations in Hawai`i
B) German migrants to plantations in the Congo
The colonization of the Belgian Congo is noted for the A) spirited resistance of the Congolese people. B) brutal treatment of the Congolese people by King Leopold II. C) policy of free trade that encouraged merchants from all countries. D) humane policies of the Belgian government toward the Congolese people. E) All these answers are correct.
B) brutal treatment of the Congolese people by King Leopold II.
The "white man's burden" proposed by Rudyard Kipling referred to the A) cost of creating and supporting an empire. B) moral duty of the west to work to "civilize" the rest of the world. C) cost of abolishing slavery in Africa. D) need for Christian missionaries to undermine Islam in Africa and Asia. E) All these answers are correct.
B) moral duty of the west to work to "civilize" the rest of the world.
Japanese imperial expansion in the late nineteenth century was primarily motivated by A) the need for land for settlement by a growing population. B) the desire to spread Buddhism to other lands. C) resentment at the unequal treaties forced on them by the United States. D) a long-standing rivalry between China and Japan. E) All these answers are correct.
C) resentment at the unequal treaties forced on them by the United States.
What took place at the Berlin Conference?
Caused by tensions between nations seeking African colonies. Delegates from many (non-African) countries determined ground rules of colonization. First, a country had to notify others of their claims, and second, claims had to be followed up by "effective occupation" - a signed agreement or military conquest. Countries had the goals to end slave trade, extend civilization and Christianity, and trade.
Social Darwinism & Spencer
Charles Darwin wrote The Origin of Species, popularizing the concept of "survival of the fittest" - the best evolved would be the most biologically advanced. Spencer believed evolution explained differences between successful strong people and the weak, justifying European domination.
What were the benefits and drawbacks to "concessionary companies" for European governments?
Companies had the ability to control the economy of a large concession of territory. Allowed colonization and exploitation without spending much. Could build plantations, mines, and railroads. However, there was brutal forced labor and low profits. This system was often replaced with direct rule.
The Great Game
Competition between Russia and Britain in central Asia. Russia and Britain established relationships in never-before-visited ports of central Asia to prepare for the upcoming war over India. Oddly, they mapped and scouted Afghanistan, but never colonized it. The war never took place due to the outbreak of global war and collapse of the tsarist state. Either way, Russia took a ton of central Asian land, dominating until 1991.
Which of the following is NOT true about the settlement of Australia? A) The British defined the continent as land belonging to no one. B) The first settlers were mostly convicts, banished from Britain. C) Smallpox and measles reduced the aboriginal populations by 86 percent. D) Australia became a multicultural society, drawing settlers from all over the Pacific. E) Settlement increased significantly after the discovery of gold.
D) Australia became a multicultural society, drawing settlers from all over the Pacific.
Which of the following was NOT an economic motivation for imperialism? A) Cheap raw materials from overseas colonies were needed to sustain industrialization. B) Overseas colonies offered markets for manufactured goods. C) Overseas colonies offered a haven for the settlement of surplus populations. D) European and American industry needed more sources of coal. E) None of these is correct, as all were economic motives for imperialism.
D) European and American industry needed more sources of coal.
Why had most European governments abandoned concessionary companies in Africa by the early twentieth century? A) The companies provoked rebellion, and the governments had to come to their defense. B) The companies became so profitable that the governments decided to take over management of the colonies. C) The companies became so powerful that they threatened to break away from the mother country. D) The brutal use of forced African labor by companies provoked a public outcry in Europe. E) None of these answers is correct.
D) The brutal use of forced African labor by companies provoked a public outcry in Europe.
One social goal of the British authorities in India was to A) abolish the caste system. B) ensure Indians drank tea so that they could profit from its export. C) convert the local population to Christianity. D) establish English-style schools for children of Indian elites. E) None of these answers is correct.
D) establish English-style schools for children of Indian elites.
Boers
Former employees of the Dutch East Indian company who went to lands not controlled by the company to farm. Were later known as Afrikaners, and they believed G-d chose them to claim people and resources of the cape. Eventually disrupted by the imposition of English code once the British arrived, especially since abolishment of slavery destroyed their financial viability. Migrated on the Great Trek, but Britain even still destroyed their power by crushing them in the Boer war.
Where did the French concentrate their efforts, and how did they rule their colonial subjects similarly/differently than the British?
France built the Southeastern Asian colony of French Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos - former tribute states of Qing dynasty). Introduced European-style schools and sought close relations with natives. However, unlike their opponent, France pushed conversion to Christianity. There was an incredibly large prominence of Roman Catholic church. European imperial rule spanned over all of southeast Asia except Siam.
Is the author of "Shooting an Elephant" a sympathetic character? What does he represent in the larger scheme of imperialism?
In a sense, the author could be deemed sympathetic. It is clear that he is against the notions of imperialism and shooting the elephant, but nonetheless, he still partakes in it due to the role that he was supposed to fill. To me, it appears that he represents those who do not necessarily want to imperialize but do so because it is what others wanted of them. However, in the end, he still killed the elephant, and in an attempt to end its misery, it only caused more by adding more bullets. He represents the sympathetic white man, supposed to do his job. The good side of imperialism: only there to help.
What is Orwell's attitude toward imperialism? On what might he agree or disagree with Kipling?
Orwell is rather embittered by imperialism, and while working as a European officer, he hid his support of the Indian cause. Of course, he was also decently bitter towards the way he was treated by the Indian citizens, but he understood. He considers the life of his fellow officers to be a struggle despite the futility of European imperialism in India, and if anything, he agrees with Kipling's recognition that the Indian population would hate the imperialists. It is clear that Orwell disagrees with paternalism - he has seen for himself the the Indian people can take care of themselves. He disagrees with the notion that only good things will happen when imperialisation takes place - he finds it rather sinister.
What were the main political motives for imperialism?
Overseas colonies occupied strategic sites on sealanes, offering good harbors or supply stations. Inspired patriotism by focusing public attention on foreign imperialism instead of communism and socialism based civil wars. Overseas expansion used to defuse internal tensions.
Steamships
Ships that run on steam and allowed for easier travel around the world. Used to just be for travel across the Mississippi river. Other countries saw their success and developed or bought ships of their own - allowed nations to access previously inaccessible areas. Transported goods.
Why did the British strategically colonize Burma and Malaya?
Sought trade, relations, and imperialism in Southeast Asia. Came into conflict with Burma while trying to establish a hold over the Irrawaddy River delta, later establishing a colony in Burma. The port of Singapore became a huge trade center, serving as a base for British conquest of Malaya. Established strong ports, linked the Indian Ocean with the South China sea, and provided tin and rubber.
How did new transportation technologies aid imperialism?
Steamships and railroads. Steamboats enhanced for military use - iron clad with powerful guns. Faster at travelling. (ex: Nemesis from the opium war). New canals constructed - Suez canal and Panama Canal facilitated building and maintenance of empires. Railroads helped maintain hegemony and economic organization. Steam-powered gunboats reached inland waters of Africa and Asia.
How did advances in communication also contribute to imperial control?
Steamships reduced the time needed for communication and bringing messages. Canals also decreased the time passed. Telegraph wires also carried communications overland. Submarine (overseas) cables for telegraphs later developed. British monopoly over telegraphic communications. Telegraphs faced a global reach by 1900.
Indian National Congress & All-India Muslim League Significance
Two major institutions for Indians and Muslims to have more of a say within their governments.
Russo-Japanese War
Both Japan and Russia wanted the Liaodong peninsula, leading to tensions. Japan quickly ended Russian fleets and Baltic reinforcements. Japan won recognition of colonial authority over Korea and Liaodong peninsula. Russia ceded South Sakhalin island to Japan, as well as railroads and economic interest in southern Manchuria. Made Japan a major imperial power.
How does "Stanley Finds Livingstone" relate to "Heart of Darkness?"
Both this story and "Heart of Darkness" are tales of European men in the process of imperializing Africa. The stories share a linking element of a search for another European man and discovering him as a prominent figure in an African village, although the way that their environment has impacted them greatly differs. In "Stanley Finds Livingstone", the impact of imperialization in Africa appears to be much more positive: everyone seems to be happier in the process. However, in "Heart of Darkness", it takes a much grimmer tone. Both are voyages into unknown areas of Africa.
How was what transpired to the indigenous people of Australia and New Zealand similar to what happened to Native Americans?
European communities in Australia and New Zealand sought fertile soil and abundant timber, and along the way, devastated the indigenous peoples with European-brought diseases such as smallpox. There were plenty of conflicts between settlers and indigenous nomads, ending with large settler populations forcing indigenous peoples onto marginal lands.
On what grounds is Rhodes assailed/condemned?
Even people who were around him at the time felt like what he was doing was wrong, and Rhodes made it very clear that he preferred land development over the people living on the lands, to which many people even at the time knew that something about what he was saying was wrong. Incredibly racist. Exploited people: took their land and made them go through brutal work.
Why does he shoot the elephant?
It has been on a rampage throughout the city, but it is not until he sees a man killed by the elephant that he requests for an elephant gun. Even still, he does not want to harm it, although people begin to cheer him on. In the end, the only reason why he does the deed is because he has a role to fill and the people want him to play it. He has to conform to expectations
King Leopold & Congo Free State Significance
King Leopold II's personal colony with brutal working conditions and harsh humanitarian disapproval. Belgian government eventually took control and made Belgian Congo in 1908.
East India Company Significance
Led a conquest of India through the doctrine of lapse, trading cities, and sepoy troops. Later crushed a sepoy fight for rebellion was replaced with direct rule from the British government.
Whether by major or minor settlement of colonists, how were European colonies shaped by their European imperial power?
Modern colonialism was the ability through political, social, economic, and cultural structures for imperial powers to dominate. Settler colonies were established as well as colonies that were purely controlled politically and economically. Imperial countries began to believe that colonialism was crucial to their economic and political survival. Colonies ruled and populated by migrants, colonies controlled by imperial powers without significant settlement.
What enabled the East India Company to effectively rule over much of India?
The East India company took advantage of the Mughal decline after Aurangzeb died, expanding trade posts and beginning the conquest of India. Conquered autonomous Indian kingdoms, leaving Mughals only the area around Delhi. Built strong trading cities and forts at Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. Followed the British policy known as the "doctrine of lapse" - if an Indian ruler had no male heir, the territory lapsed to the company. Also had strong enforcers through the British army and sepoys - Indian troops.
Battle of Adwa
The battle by which Ethiopia defeated Italian forces, evading colonization. Italy had expected an easy victory, but it was annihilated in 1896.
Tea
The rainforests of Ceylon were converted to tea plantations, and Ceylonese women were recruited to harvest the tea. Tea quickly became wildly popular due to the introduction of tea bushes to Ceylon and India.
Telegraphs
Transmitted messages through morse code sent through an electrical current. Brought long-distance communication, which also helped boost the economy. Provided quick, proper communication. Connection through submarine cables.
What was the cause and outcome of the Spanish-Cuban-American War?
War broke out due to anti-colonial tensions that rose in Puerto Rico and Cuba. A battleship (Maine) exploded, and the US claimed sabotage, easily defeating Spain and taking Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam, and the Philippines. Colonial governments were placed, and the U.S. began to intervene in the affairs of other islands in order to prevent rebellion. Afterwards, the relationship with the Philippines was tricky, as America had promised to fight for Philippine independence in order to form an alliance against Spain. After the victory, however, the U.S. bought the Philippines.
