Unit 5 APWH: The Global Age of Imperialism and Revolution

Causes of Imperialism

Economic Factors:

• Search for raw materials: European industries required access to raw materials such as rubber, oil, and minerals located in colonies.
• Expansion of markets: Colonies provided new markets for European manufactured goods, increasing profits.
• Capital accumulation: Surplus capital in Europe sought investment opportunities abroad.

Political Factors:

• Nationalism and prestige: Imperialism was seen as a way to increase national power and prestige.
• Balance of power: Countries competed to acquire colonies to keep pace with their rivals.
• Social Darwinism: The belief that some nations were superior to others justified colonialism as a way to spread civilization.

Forms of Imperialism

• Colony: A territory directly ruled by a foreign power.
• Protectorate: A territory where the local government is controlled by a foreign power.
• Sphere of influence: An area where a foreign power has exclusive economic and political privileges.
• Economic imperialism: Control over a region’s economy without direct political intervention.

Imperialism in Africa

Partition of Africa: By 1900, European powers had divided almost all of Africa among themselves.

• Congo: Belgian King Leopold II’s personal colony, known for its brutal exploitation of rubber.
• South Africa: British colony where the white minority imposed apartheid on the black majority.
• Trans-Saharan trade: European powers expanded their control over trade routes across the Sahara Desert.

Imperialism in Asia

• British India: The British Empire controlled the vast majority of the Indian subcontinent.
• Chinese concessions: European powers gained spheres of influence in China, leading to tensions and the Boxer Rebellion.
• Sino-Japanese War: Japan’s victory over China in 1895 marked the emergence of a new imperial power.

Imperialism in the Americas

• Cuba: U.S. intervention in the Spanish-American War led to the establishment of American control over Cuba.
• Panama: U.S. pressure forced Panama to grant the U.S. control of the Panama Canal Zone.
• Monroe Doctrine: The U.S. declared its opposition to European intervention in the Americas.

Impact of Imperialism

Positive Effects:

• Economic development: Imperial powers invested in infrastructure and education in colonies.
• Medical advancements: European doctors introduced new medicines and technologies, improving health.
• Cultural exchange: Imperialism facilitated the transfer of ideas and technology between cultures.

Negative Effects:

• Exploitation and oppression: Colonial powers exploited the resources and labor of their colonies.
• Political instability: Imperial rule often disrupted traditional political systems and created tensions.
• Environmental degradation: Imperialism led to deforestation, pollution, and other environmental problems.

Revolutions in the Global Age

Technological Revolutions:

• Industrial Revolution: New technologies such as the steam engine and the factory system transformed production.
• Agricultural Revolution: Improvements in farming techniques increased food production, leading to population growth.
• Transportation Revolution: Railways, steamships, and canals facilitated global trade and travel.

Social Revolutions:

• Urbanization: The Industrial Revolution attracted workers to cities, leading to overcrowding and social problems.
• Socialism and communism: Ideologies emerged that sought to address social inequality and economic exploitation.
• Rise of nationalism: Industrialization and urbanization strengthened national identities.

Political Revolutions:

• French Revolution (1789): Overthrew the monarchy and established a republic, inspiring revolutionary movements around the world.
• Latin American Revolutions (1810-1826): Independence movements led to the creation of new nations in the Americas.
• Russian Revolution (1917): Bolsheviks seized power and established the first communist state.

Impact of Revolutions

Positive Effects:

• Spread of democracy: Revolutions often resulted in the establishment of democratic governments.
• Social progress: Workers gained rights and benefits through labor movements and social reforms.
• Economic equality: Revolutions often challenged the traditional class structure and promoted social mobility.

Negative Effects:

• Violence and instability: Revolutions often involved violent conflict and political turmoil.
• Authoritarian regimes: Some revolutions led to the establishment of authoritarian governments that suppressed dissent.
• Economic disruption: Revolutions could disrupt trade and lead to economic hardship.

Tables

Table 1: Major European Colonies in Africa

Table 2: Imperialism in Asia

Table 3: Revolutions in the Global Age

Table 4: Impact of Imperialism and Revolutions