Imperialism and Colonialism: A Historical Overview
Economic Causes of 19th-Century Imperialism
Great Britain’s decline as the leading power led to a search for resources abroad. Private initiatives, later supported by public funding, aimed to acquire colonies, benefiting the bourgeoisie.
Demographic Factors
Overcrowding in Great Britain during the 1870s capitalist system crisis resulted in job losses and further fueled the need for expansion.
Political and Cultural Motivations
Colonies provided cultural prestige. Associations devoted to research and exploration thrived, driven by a thirst for knowledge and adventure.
US Expansion in the 19th Century
Population growth due to natural increase and immigration waves (1840-1921) shaped the United States. The absence of an aristocracy and the extermination of Native Americans facilitated westward expansion.
Causes of US Expansion
Agricultural wealth and precious metals drove expansion through purchase, sale, or war.
Features of the American Economy (1850s)
Investments in technology, universities, and companies like Ford, along with savings and roadway development, propelled economic growth. After World War I, the US became a leading power, importing from a weakened UK.
The Meiji Revolution (1868)
This revolution marked a turning point in Japan, shifting from feudal absolutist rule to a modern state with legal equality, a constitution, and a parliament. The US gained access to Japanese ports.
Scramble for Africa (1885)
The Berlin Conference, initiated by Otto von Bismarck, aimed to divide Africa among European powers to avoid conflicts. This division reflected a racist view of Africans as inferior.
Economic Consequences of Colonialism
The threat of communism led to land ownership by remaining whites, while native populations were exploited for labor. Large plantations replaced local agriculture, hindering industrialization in Africa. Resources were extracted for the benefit of the metropolis.
Types of Colonies
- Export colonies
- Domains (native self-governance)
- Protectorates (native collaboration with white rulers)
Colonies did not gain independence until after 1945.
Marx and Bakunin: Differing Views on Revolution
Anarchism (Bakunin)
Anarchists believed in spontaneous revolution, valuing freedom above all. Post-revolution, resources would be self-managed without government.
Marxism (Marx)
Marxists advocated for a planned revolution led by the proletariat. A dictatorship of the proletariat would be necessary to transition to a communist society with collective ownership.
The International Workingmen’s Association (AIT)
Founded in London in 1864, the AIT aimed to raise awareness and disseminate theories. The motto “Proletarians of the world, unite!” reflected their focus. Bakunin’s influence led to a split in 1872. The Second International (1889-1917) introduced May Day and advocated for worker rights.
Imperialism (1870-1875)
The first crisis of the capitalist system led to a resurgence of imperialism. European powers (Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium) dominated Africa and South Asia. By the end of the century, the US and Japan emerged as imperialist powers.
Colonialism
Colonialism involved policies of resettlement, assimilation, economic control, and resource exploitation. The 1885 division of Africa aimed to prevent future conflicts.