New Wave of European Imperialism

Introduction

• Focus on motivations and methods of European imperialism.
• New wave focuses on Africa and Asia.
• Definition of imperialism: Extension of political dominance over another country.

Motivations for Imperialism

1. Economic Motivations

• Industrial Revolution fueled need for raw materials and markets.
• European states sought raw materials like cotton, rubber, and iron from other countries.
• Finished goods needed new markets as domestic markets became saturated.
• British example in India:
  • Post-Sepoy Rebellion, exploited India for raw materials.
  • Opened new markets for British textiles.
• British interest in Africa for raw materials (coal, oil, copper).
• Economic imperialism in China:
  • Trade imbalance due to demand for Chinese tea.
  • Smuggling of opium by British to correct imbalance.
  • Led to Opium Wars with Britain forcing open trade rights.

2. Political Motivations

• European nations like France, the Netherlands, and Belgium participated in the "Scramble for Africa."
• Tensions arose from competition for African territories.

3. Belief in Racial Superiority

• Social Darwinism justified imperialism through racial superiority beliefs.
• "Civilizing mission": Europeans believed it was their duty to "civilize" other nations.
• Rudyard Kipling's "White Man's Burden" reflected these beliefs.
• Colonized nations often resisted, but Europeans had advantages.

European Advantages

1. Advanced Weaponry

• Industrial Revolution led to improved weapons:
  • Rifled barrels, mini balls, breach-loading rifles, machine guns.

2. Communication and Transportation

• Telegraph and undersea cables enhanced coordination.
• Infrastructure like railroads facilitated movement of goods.

3. Advances in Medicine

• Quinine for malaria enabled penetration into Africa.
• Germ theory by Louis Pasteur improved medical care.
• Vaccinations and antiseptics helped maintain healthier troops.

Conclusion

• Europeans used these motivations and advantages to dominate politically and economically in Africa and Asia.
• Native resistance often stifled by European technological and medical advances.
• For further study, review AP Euro unit 7 and utilize available note guides.