Lecture Notes: How Europe Took Over the World

Introduction

• Overview of European world domination from 35% land control in 1800 to 84% by 1914.
• Importance of Africa in this expansion.
• Role of technology and new ideologies in this process.

Historical Context

• Beginnings with Spain and Portugal in the 1500s.
• Dutch innovation in creating the modern corporation.
• Early European colonialism.

Imperialism 2.0

• Described as "vulgar and bastard imperialism of irritation and aggression."
• Revolutionary movements threatened European empires.
• Shift from competition to cooperation among European powers.

The Scramble for Africa

• Lack of European exploration due to diseases like malaria.
• Quinine discovery by French scientists changed this.
• King Leopold II of Belgium and his quest for a colony.
• 1884 Berlin Conference - European powers divide Africa without African input.

Technology and Expansion

• Steamboats and railroads facilitating movement and control.
• European technological advancements like the telegraph and precision weaponry.

Impact and Consequences

• Exploitation and violence in colonies, e.g., King Leopold’s regime in Congo.
• Positive impacts: medical advancements from colonization.
• Social Darwinism and racial hierarchies rationalizing colonization.

Legacy

• British Empire peak control: 25% of the globe.
• Post-WWI and WWII decolonization.
• The persistent influence of colonial structures and ideologies.

Reflection

• Europe’s rise was not inevitable but a series of decisions and circumstances.
• The moral complexity of European imperialism: advances vs. exploitation.

Contemporary Relevance

• Continued global influence of European-originated structures and ideas.
• The ongoing influence of colonial history on present-day geopolitics.

Lecture Conclusion

• End of the series and reflection on the year's work.
• Growth of the team and community engagement via Patreon.
• Commitment to ongoing storytelling and historical exploration.
• Encouragement of curiosity and continued learning into 2023.