New Imperialism Flashcards
(25 cards)
What was the ‘New Imperialism’?
A period of colonial expansion by European powers, US, and Japan during the late 19th and early 20th Century
What was the starting point of the ‘New Imperialism’?
Post 1870’s Great Depression was argued to be the starting point of the New Imperialism
What triggered the beginning of the New Imperialism?
There was a need to search for new economic opportunities
What are the economic arguments for Imperialism? (5)
- New markets for manufactured commodities
- Access to raw materials (e.g. rubber.)
- Open up opportunities for investment
- Cheaply source commodities (e.g cocoa and tea.)
- Access cheap labour
Give an example of how international context of economic rivalries has changed.
New economic context shapes imperialist thinking,
i.e. rise of protectionism
What impact did economic rivalries have?
In 1891, Lord Salisbury argues need for African colonies to prevent rivals ‘crippling the trade that we otherwise should possess’
Who argues against imperialist expansion?
- Although it was argued Imperial project might solve economic/political problems, it was far from simple & imperialism lacks mass appeal 1870s/1880s
- Working class movements
- Radicals Georges Clemenceau & nationalist Paul Deroulede
- John Bright and Richard Cobden
How did the Working class movements feel about the imperialist expansion?
They were anti-imperialist (e.g. 1865 mass meetings of Jamaica Committee) and socialist internationalism voiced (esp. In aftermath of 1871 Commune)
How did Radicals Georges Clemenceau & nationalist Paul Deroulede feel about imperialist expansion?
They opposed nationalism as it was a distraction from revenge (Alsace-Lorraine)
How did John Bright and Richard Cobden feel about imperialist expansion?
They argued against the empire as it contradicted their idea of laissez-faire
Who argues for imperialist expansion?
- Jules Ferry
- Protestant missionary David Livingstone
- Rudyard Kipling
How did Jules Ferry feel about imperialist expansion?
In 1883, he said ‘superior races have rights over inferior races… [they] have a right because they have a duty. They have the duty to civilise inferior races’ in addition to the economic case
Why did Protestant missionary David Livingstone want to expand?
‘Three C’s’ - Christianity, Civilisation and Commerce
What was the moral argument?
Imperialism was a means of bringing these benefits and civilisation to the enslaved and ignorant natives of the undeveloped world
How did Rudyard Kipling feel about imperialist expansion?
- He used racial difference as an explanation for ‘civilizing’ Africa
- He wrote a poem in 1898 called White Man’s Burden, characterising native populations as ‘sullen peoples’ Half-devil and half-child’
How was the brutality justified?
It was believed the general principle of subordination of inferior could justify harsh treatment & brutal repression
What was the main driving force behind the expansion?
Economic private merchants coerced the government into agreeing with them
Give examples of private organisations/people rather than government actions who argued for expansion
- Carl Peters
- Frenchman Brazza
- German merchant adventure Luderitz
- Cecil Rhodes
- Fabri
How was Frenchman Brazza significant towards the expansion?
- The exploration Congo was sponsored by French Societe Geographique de Paris & Leopold of Belgium’s International African Association
- He negotiated treaties & then persuaded the French government to act on them (helped by certain prominent backers, public interest)
How was Carl Peters significant towards the expansion?
He was part of the company for German Colonisation & creation German protectorate in East Africa despite official opposition
What happened to Bismarck?
Bismarck was talked into South-West African Expansion by German merchant adventure Luderitz
How was Cecil Rhodes significant towards the expansion?
In 1889, Cecil Rhodes found British South Africa Company
and colonial propagandists (e.g. Fabri, French Colonial Union & Colonial Group - 90 deputies 1892, 120 1893)
Who was Fabri and what arguments did he have in favour of Imperialist Expansion?
- He was a German Propagandist in 1879 who argued Germany should expand as at the time it was far superior and more advanced when compared to other nations. Referring to its seapower, economically and politically minded people and the easy availability to high quality labour.
- He argued that Germany should capitalise on its dominance
What example does Fabri use to prove his claims?
Fabri really emphasises how important Germany capitalising on its dominance is, claiming its “life or death” for Germany, showing the extent to which he believes empire plays a role in the survival of a powerful nation. He refers to Britain and its relatively small size and manpower, but how its able to maintain its grasp of territories worldwide showing how strong they are and he highlights the economic advantages to this
