Imperialism, Colonization, and the First World War
Imperialism and Its Causes
Europe, leveraging its superior technical and financial dominance, launched itself into the world, creating colonial empires.
Causes of Colonialism
- Economic: New markets, new raw materials at the best price.
- Demographic: Excess population, improved living conditions, expansion of the white race.
- Political: If there were wars, it was outside of Europe.
- Ideological: With objectives to educate and teach; black racism.
Exploration and Conquest
Explorations were made thanks to Livingstone and Stanley. Knowing the territory, the easy conquest was due to technical superiority; the colonies faced each other.
Colonial Organization
Types of colony:
- Exploitation: Appropriation of land, mines, and low wages.
- Settlement: White population received.
- Protectorates: Indigenous government, parallel white government, European population.
The Division of the World
In Africa
It was the fastest. British, Portuguese, French—in effect, if it was divided—and Belgium had land, including that of Leopold II. Germans and Italians came later. The Berlin Conference of 1885 distributed Africa.
In Asia
Russia, the U.S., Japan, and England. The British confronted Russia over Afghanistan, Malaysia, and Indochina. The Opium Wars in China (opening Chinese trade) led to the Boxer Uprising.
The British Empire
It was the widest, encompassing India and Africa (controlling maritime trade). India was its crown jewel.
The French Empire
The second-largest empire, in competition with the British.
USA & Japan
The two unique extra-European powers, the USA toward the Pacific and the Caribbean, and Japan against Russia and Great Britain.
Consequences of Colonization
Introduction of Advances in Colonies
Improved infrastructure, hygiene, mortality, education, and Christianity.
Economic Transformations
Indian life worsened; landless people worked on their former lands and paid for what they cultivated. Crafts sank. Monetary market economics.
Cultural and Social Changes
Social structure changed, contrasting classes, acculturation.
Causes of World War I (1914-1918)
Colonialism and Nationalism
Rivalry between colonies, nationalist fervor, and conflict in the Balkans.
Arms Race
States invested in armaments. Alliances: In 1882, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed the Triple Alliance. In 1907, France, Russia, and Great Britain formed the Triple Entente.
Outbreak of War
The heir of the Austro-Hungarian Empire died from a shot by a Bosnian student. Austria declared war on Serbia. Russia intervened, protecting Serbia. Austria and Germany, allies, declared war on Russia and France. When Germany invaded Belgium to go to France, Great Britain entered the war.
The Great War
Movements
Germany attacked France, entering through Belgium and Luxembourg. France and England helped Belgium in the Battle of the Marne. In the east, Russia stopped Germany in Austria.
Trench warfare: From Switzerland to the North Sea, 1 inch equaled 10,000 deaths. New allies were sought. Italy (France and Great Britain), Bulgaria, and Turkey aided the Central Powers. The German Battle of Verdun occurred in 1916.
Crisis of 1917 and End of the War
In 1917, the Bolsheviks triumphed and signed peace with Germany (Peace of Brest-Litovsk). The U.S. entered the war because Germany was sinking its ships. Germany and Austria were defeated. On November 11, 1918, the armistice was signed. William II of Germany went to Holland, and Germany became a republic.
Rearguard War: News put the military in charge of armies. Factories produced many weapons during the Second World War.
Organization of Peace
Thirty-two countries attended in Paris, but the U.S., France, Great Britain, and Italy made the decisions. The U.S. forgave, but Europeans wanted Germany to pay.
Treaty of Versailles
The peace treaty with Germany was signed in Versailles. Conditions: Germany was solely guilty, obligated to pay Belgium and France, dismantle its army, and lose territories. Germany thought it was too much, and its anger was reflected in the future.