Second Wave of Imperialism (1750-1900)

Introduction

• Focus on various methods of imperial expansion during the second wave.
• Change in geographical focus from Americas (1450-1750) to Africa and Asia (1750-1900).
• Shift in the leading imperial powers.
  • Decline of Spain and Portugal.
  • Continued importance of Great Britain, France, and the Dutch.
  • Emergence of Germany, Italy, Belgium, USA, and Japan as new players.

Methods of Imperial Expansion

1. State Takeovers of Private Colonies

• Some colonies initially controlled by individuals or businesses.
• Example: Belgian Congo
  • Controlled by King Leopold II as the Congo Free State.
  • Supposed humanitarian mission; actually brutal exploitation for rubber.
  • Public outrage led to Belgian government taking control in 1908.
• Other examples:
  • Dutch government taking over Indonesia from the Dutch East India Company.
  • British government taking over India from the British East India Company.

2. Diplomacy and Warfare

Diplomacy

• Definition: Making political agreements by dialogue and negotiation, not warfare.
• Example: Berlin Conference (1884-1885)
  • European powers divided Africa into colonies without involving African leaders.
  • Led to problematic borders that divided ethnic groups and united rivals.
• Resulted in the