Resistance to Colonial Intrusion 💥

Causes of Resistance Movements

1. Political Authority

   • Colonial powers introduced Western-style education, including Enlightenment ideas like popular sovereignty and the social contract.
   • This caused the educated in colonized territories to question the legitimacy of imperial powers.
   • Not all needed Western education to question foreign domination.

2. Growing Sense of Nationalism

   • Imposed will, language, and culture from imperial powers induced nationalism in colonized peoples.
   • Led to resistance and fights for independence.

Examples of Resistance

Direct Resistance

• 1857 Rebellion in India
• Tupac Amaru's Rebellion in Peru
• Yaa Asantewaa War in West Africa (War of the Golden Stool)
  • Britain's multiple attempts to conquer the Asante Kingdom for its gold.
  • Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa led the Asante in violent rebellion.
  • British superior weaponry eventually subdued the Asante.

Creation of New States

• Cherokee Nation near U.S. Territory
  • U.S. gained territory and clashed with indigenous peoples.
  • U.S. forced removal via Indian Removal Act of 1835.
  • Cherokee created a semi-autonomous government in Oklahoma Territory.
  • U.S. westward expansion eventually incorporated Cherokee lands into Oklahoma state.

Indigenous Rebellions Inspired by Religion

• Ghost Dance Movement in North America
• Xhosa Cattle-Killing Movement in Southern Africa
  • British claimed more Xhosa territory, leading to Xhosa survival struggles.
  • Prophecy-driven movement led to the slaughter of cattle to revive new ones and resurrect ancestors to drive out Europeans.
  • Resulted in starvation, making it easier for British to take over.

Conclusion

Resistance to colonial intrusion was multifaceted and driven by political, nationalistic, and religious motivations. Understanding these movements provides a full picture of the effects of imperialism.