The Age of Imperialism: A Historical Overview
Expansion and Penetration in Colonial Territories
In 1870, the decision was made to expand and penetrate colonial territories. Between 1884 and 1885, the Berlin Conference, also known as the “Scramble for Africa,” was held. Metropolis expanded and annexed territories designated as colonies. The entirety of the territory became an empire.
Metropolis
- Were industrial powers.
- Provided guidelines and military policies.
- Established the pattern of trade dynamics.
Colonies
- Supplier of raw materials for industries in the metropolis.
- Cheap labor for the manufacture of articles.
- Market for products from the mother country.
- Receptacle for demographic decompression.
Causes of Imperialism
- Economic factors.
- Political factors: prestige, exaltation of the nationalist sentiments of the population.
- Demographic factors.
- Ideological expansion of culture, the idea of supremacy and superiority of white men, and expansion of Christianity.
- Individual initiative and spirit of adventure.
The British Case: An Empire Spanning 20% of the Earth
The Structure of the British Empire
Comprised four types of areas:
- Protectorates: Territory under the protection, power, and jurisdiction of another state. The common feature of multiple types of protectorates is the duty of obedience in exchange for protection and the protectorate state’s resignation to have relations with other states.
- Colonies: Were of two types: settlement and exploitative. They possessed no political autonomy, the European population was low, and their key mission was subject to the requirements of British capitalist development. The colonies included most of the African territories.
- Mandates: Existed since the First World War.
- Dominions: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa were granted self-government, meaning they enjoyed wide political autonomy. They had a government, parliament, and a governor who officiated as the representative of the king.
Of all the colonies of the British Empire, the most valuable was India, which came to be known as “the jewel of the British Empire.”
- The administration was headed by a viceroy, which followed the organization of a native state (with a protectorate regime).
- Was key to the metropolis for its economic, political, and strategic functions.
Victoria I (1837-1901)
Inflexible and active, she solidified England’s position both domestically and as a prosperous economy in the world. During her reign, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and large parts of Malaysia were colonized. In the late twentieth century, the government annexed territories such as Salisbury, Zambezi, and Zanzibar. Benjamin Disraeli was dedicated to encouraging imperialism, strengthening Britain’s position in the Mediterranean. India was the most extensive territory of the empire. In 1876, Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in Delhi. By the first decades of the twentieth century, the empire had a population of 528 million, of which only 13% were living in the UK.
Characteristics of the French Empire
- Second in importance after the British. French expansionism was designed by Jules Ferry.
- French imperialism was essentially politically motivated.
- Aimed to enhance their settlements in three key areas: Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
- Direct control/mostly remained protectorates.
- Within the administrative structure, the highest body of power resided in the French Community of Nations.
Jules Ferry
French politician, lawyer, and journalist from a wealthy family. He was an active supporter of French imperialism, which led the country to expand into territories in East Asia.
Life and Society in the Colonies
White People
- Lived in affluent neighborhoods and had access to infrastructure and basic services.
- Actively participated in the government of the colony, occupying key positions in the public apparatus.
- Enjoyed all the economic benefits derived from natural and human exploitation.
Native Populations
- Devoid of political rights. They were subject to rigorous guidelines and requirements of the colonial civil and military authorities.
- Typically lived in poverty due to the nature of their work and the resulting low pay. They lived in the suburbs.
- When the residence of settlers became permanent, the authorities stripped them of their native land, exacerbating their poverty.
Consequences and Effects
- Population reduced to “mere servitude, labor, and military service” for colonial authorities.
- Poverty was widespread, resulting in the loss of land and animals, fundamental to the survival of many families.
- Marginalization of the native population, exploited for labor and the military defense of the empire’s interests.