The Roots and Consequences of Global Imperialism
Motives Driving Global Imperialism
The takeover of a country or territory by a stronger nation with the intention of dominating the political, economic, and social life of the people of that nation is called imperialism. The Industrial Revolution provided European nations with a critical need to acquire new lands for resources, markets, and investment opportunities.
Key Motives for Expansion
Nationalism and Patriotism
A strong sense of national pride grew in European countries. Europeans viewed an empire as a measure of national greatness. As the competition for colonies intensified, each country was determined to conquer as much of the world as possible.
Racism and Perceived Superiority
Because of their advanced technology, many Europeans believed that they were superior to other peoples. Non-Europeans were often considered to be on a lower scale of cultural and economic development. This sentiment was famously articulated by Cecil Rhodes:
“British are the first race in the World and the more of the world we inhabit, the better it is for the human race (…) more territory simply means more of the Anglo-Saxon race, more of the best, the most human, most honourable race the world possesses.”
Religious Zeal (Christianization)
Missionaries worked diligently to Christianize the people of Africa and Asia. Many missionaries believed that European rule was the best way to end perceived evil practices, such as the slave trade.
The Berlin Conference (1884–1885)
Leopold II’s seizure of the Congo alarmed France. In 1882, the French took control of the north bank of the Congo River. Soon, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain also claimed parts of Africa. The competition was so fierce that European countries feared war among themselves.
Establishing Rules for African Division
To prevent fighting, 14 European nations met at the Berlin Conference in 1884–1885 to establish rules for the division of Africa. Key outcomes of the Conference included:
- Ending of Slavery: An international prohibition of the slave trade throughout their respective spheres was signed by the European members, aiming to end slavery practiced by Black and Islamic powers.
- The Congo Free State: The territory of Congo, spanning some two million square kilometers, was confirmed as the private property of the Congo Society, ensuring Leopold’s promises to keep the country open to all European investment.
- Free Trade: The 14 signatory powers would have free trade throughout the Congo and Niger Rivers.
- Principle of Effectivity: This principle was introduced to stop powers setting up colonies in name only. Effective occupation stated that powers could acquire rights over colonial lands only if they actually possessed them. This required:
- Having treaties with local leaders.
- Flying their flag in the territory.
- Establishing an administration with a police force to maintain order.
Impact of Colonial Rule on African Societies
European colonial rule fundamentally altered African lives. By 1914, only Liberia and Ethiopia remained free from European control.
Positive Consequences (Perceived Benefits)
Colonialism brought certain changes often cited as benefits:
- Reduced local warfare between rival tribes.
- Improved sanitation and the establishment of hospitals and schools.
- Increased life expectancy and literacy rates.
- Economic expansion, including the introduction of railroads, dams, telegraph, and telephone lines.
Negative Consequences and Human Cost
The costs of colonialism were severe for Africans:
- Africans lost control of their land and their independence.
- Many died from new diseases, such as smallpox.
- Thousands of people were lost resisting the Europeans.
- Famines resulted from the change from subsistence agriculture to cash crops.
- Traditional cultures suffered a breakdown.
- Men were forced to leave villages to work in mines, on European-owned farms, and in railroad construction.
Artificial Boundaries and Lasting Problems
The European nations divided the continent with little regard for how African ethnic or linguistic groups were distributed. Long-term rival chiefdoms were sometimes united, while kinship groups were split between colonies. These artificial boundaries continue to create significant problems for the nations that have evolved from the former colonies.