Summary
Highlights
A new wave of European imperialism, focusing on Africa and Asia, emerged after 1450. Imperialism is defined as one country extending political dominance over another, driven by economic, political, and racial motivations.
The Industrial Revolution drove demand for raw materials (like cotton, rubber, iron) and new markets for manufactured goods. When home markets were saturated, European powers, like Britain in India, sought to exploit other countries for resources and new consumers. This also led to economic imperialism in China, with the British smuggling opium to balance trade, leading to the Opium Wars.
European nations, including Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, competed for territory in Africa, leading to the "Scramble for Africa." This competition caused significant tensions as states raced to claim territories, especially after the interior of Africa was mapped.
Social Darwinism, a philosophy asserting the superiority of 'strong' nations, justified imperialism. Europeans believed they were bringing the 'glories of Western Civilization' to 'primitive' nations, a concept termed the "mission civilisatrice" by the French. Rudyard Kipling's poem "White Man's Burden" exemplified this belief, portraying colonized peoples as 'half devil and half child' in need of guidance.
Europeans held significant advantages due to industrialization, particularly in weaponry. Innovations like rifled barrels, minié balls, breach-loading rifles, and machine guns gave them a decisive edge against resistance.
New communication (telegraph) and transportation (railroads) technologies facilitated coordination in conquering and maintaining power. Railroads allowed for rapid transport of raw materials, manufactured goods, and troops within colonies.
Medical advancements, such as the discovery of quinine for malaria and Louis Pasteur's germ theory of disease, allowed Europeans to penetrate deeper into Africa and keep their troops healthier, improving their chances of survival and combat effectiveness.