Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization - Heimler Review Guide

Expansion of Imperial States

Nationalism

• Definition: Nationalism is a belief in the greatness of one's nation, often linked by shared language, religion, or social customs.
• Impact: It fueled the desire for territorial expansion and was a driving force in the second wave of imperialism (1750-1900), leading to increased competition among nations.

Social Darwinism

• Definition: A misapplication of Darwin's theory of evolution, suggesting "survival of the fittest" among human races.
• Impact: Justified imperialism by suggesting industrialized Europeans were superior and entitled to dominate unindustrialized societies.

Civilizing Mission

• Concept: Imperial powers felt obligated to "civilize" conquered peoples, often through conversion to Christianity and Western education.
• Example: Slogan "kill the Indian in him to save the man."

Methods of Imperial Expansion

Belgian Congo

• Transition: From private control by King Leopold II to state control due to brutal exploitation.

European Expansion in Africa

• Diplomacy Example: Berlin Conference (1884-1885) divided Africa among European powers without African input.
• Warfare Example: Boer Wars where British fought Dutch in South Africa.

Settler Colonies

• Examples: British colonies in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Africa.
• Impact: Spread of diseases and demographic changes.

Economic Imperialism

British in China

• Opium Wars: British used opium trade to balance trade deficit, leading to conflict and the Treaty of Nanjing, favoring British interests.

Instability in China

• Result: Internal conflicts like Taiping Rebellion led to Western spheres of influence.

Latin America

• Example: United Fruit Company's control over land in exchange for infrastructure development.

Export Economies

• Definition: Economies focused on the export of raw materials.
• Continuity: Reflects earlier colonial practices of economic dependency.

Migration in the Industrial Age

Causes of Migration

• Demographic Changes: Population growth and job shortages in Europe.
• Technological Advances: Railroads and steamships facilitated migration.
• Environmental Factors: Famines like the Irish Potato Famine.

Types of Migration

• Free Migration: Voluntary moves, often for work (e.g., Irish to the U.S.).
• Coerced Labor: Indentured servitude and convict labor (e.g., penal colonies in Australia).

Social and Cultural Effects

• Home Societies: Gender imbalances as men migrated.
• Receiving Societies: Formation of ethnic enclaves and rise in nativism.

Imperial Resistance

Internal Resistance

• Examples: Yaa Asantewaa War in West Africa; Cherokee Nation and Zulu Kingdom resisting imperial expansion.

Rebellions Influenced by Religion

• Example: Xhosa Cattle Killing Movement, motivated by spiritual beliefs, resulted in starvation and loss.