Colonial Empires and Their Impact: 19th and 20th Centuries
The Great Colonial Empires of the 19th and 20th Centuries
The Conquest Process
In 1830, England conquered India, and France conquered Algeria. The Berlin Conference of 1885 saw the great powers divide continents among themselves. There were few independent states in Africa, notably Ethiopia and Liberia. A special case was Latin America, which gained independence from Spain and Portugal.
The Great British Empire
The British Empire was the largest, with colonies on every continent. Its moment of greatest glory was the reign of Queen Victoria I. Their most important colony was India.
Other Colonial Empires
- French Empire: The second-largest power, with colonies in Africa and Asia.
- Belgian Empire: Spread across the Congo.
- German Empire: Spread through southern Africa.
- Italian Empire: Occupied parts of Africa, like Somalia.
- Russia: Spread through southern Siberia.
- USA: Occupied the Philippines and Puerto Rico, and controlled Cuba.
- Japan: Annexed Korea and Formosa, and established a protectorate in Manchuria.
Clash of Colonial Imperialism
Colonial imperialism provoked tensions between imperialist countries. France and England clashed in Africa. Germany protested because it had few colonies.
Administration and Life in the Colonies
Colonial Administration
There were three main forms of colonial administration:
- Colonies: Territories directly submitted to and managed by the colonial power.
- Protectorates: The colonial power controlled foreign policy and the exploitation of wealth.
- Concessions: Territories belonging to an independent country, but where a colonial power obtained commercial advantages.
Europeans introduced the foundations of modern management, often disregarding the local population’s needs. This was a source of conflict after decolonization.
Economic Exploitation
Colonists engaged in economic exploitation of conquered lands, establishing large plantations of crops not present in Europe, such as coffee, sugar, cocoa, and tea. They also exploited mineral wealth like gold, coal, and diamonds. The natives were used as cheap labor and often enslaved. Western authorities did not industrialize the colonies, only seeking cheap raw materials.
A Racist Society
Colonies with climates similar to those of the metropolitan residents received large numbers of Westerners. Normally, the indigenous people became a marginalized minority, and in some cases, were subjected to extermination policies. In other colonies, the Western population remained a minority, while the native population lived in poverty, and Western civilization was imposed.
The Canary Islands and European Colonial Expansion
Canarian Villages
The Canary Islands were an important point of support due to their geographical location. Canarian villages became coaling stations for steamboats. The islands were a scene of intense rivalry between Britain and Germany. The Port of Light became the main port in the Atlantic.
British Investment in the Canary Islands
There was a strong presence of foreigners, especially British, in the islands. Foreign companies controlled much of the trade, port activity, the tourism business, public services, and banking (a process known as “britanización”).
Banana Exports to Europe
After the decline of cochineal production, bananas, tomatoes, and potatoes were planted for export. The British invested in helping to improve farming conditions. Bananas became a highly profitable product.
The Canary Islands as a Tourist Destination
The Port of the Cross and Santa Cruz de Tenerife became popular destinations for English tourists. There was a large investment of British capital in the construction of hotels.
Key Events and Conflicts
- China: Boxer rebels, spheres of influence (Great Britain, France, Germany). The Boxer Rebellion (1900) failed.
- Japan: Commodore Perry ended Japan’s isolation. Japan focused on industrialization to become a strong power.
- Egypt: The Suez Canal connected the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. It was built by Great Britain and France, who later took control of it. Egypt regained control of the canal after World War II.
- India: The British East India Company controlled trade. The Indian National Congress was formed to advocate for Indian self-rule.
- China/Korea: Resource-rich Manchuria was contested by Japan and Russia, leading to the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. Japan won, gaining control of Korea.