IMPERIALISME

Imperialisme

Imperialism/ colonialism (19th century) is explained as the control of a country by another. It is a extension of the authority of one country over another. This is carried out by conquest or by treaties & it is often for political & economic reasons. Imperialism has long history. Modern form of imperialism started when European powers discovered new land in Asia & Africa in the 15th & 16th century.

There are many forms of imperialism: colonies, protectorates, spheres of influence.

Colonies – directly governed by Europeans

Protectorates – the native rulers were guaranteed protection against internal upheaval/ external threat. A European resident/ commissioner is appointed to advise the ruler. Spheres of influence where no single European state could make good its claim against others. Here each European power has arranged to divide the region into spheres of influence. Each power enjoys privileges & trade opportunities within its own sphere. - Western imperialism spread fast to Africa & Asia after 1870s. Between 1880-1914 almost all of Africa (except Ethopia & Liberia) were under either French, British, Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish/ Belgium powers).

In Asia, all countries except Thailand was under colonial rule.

·         India, Burma, Malaya+Sabah/ Sarawak, Hong Kong (British)

·         Vietnam, Cambodia, Loas (French)

·         East Indies / Indonesia (Dutch)

·         Philippines (Spanish/ Americans)

Reason for Western Imperialisme of Asia.

Economic

Most important reason. Following IR in Europe there was demand for raw materials such as rubber, tin, timber, cotton, jute, petroleum, coconut etc. To service the factories & industries in west. They were found in Asia & could be got cheap. They were needed to make cloth, tin-sheets, tyres etc. In order to obtain these items in continuous supply, Europeans invested huge sums of capital to set up mines, factories, plantations, roads, railroads, refineries, steamships, banks & trading houses (company). European countries, therefore had huge financial investments in enterprises outside their own countries. All these investments needed protection & one way of ensuring this was by imperialism. Critics have condemned imperialism. To Lenin “imperialism is the highest stage of capitalism”. Another economic factor is colonies could be made regular markets for European finished goods. o Following IR several countries in Europe became rich & had surplus capital.  Money invested in these so called “back-ward countries” brought in higher rate of returns than if invested in their own countries.

Colonies for political & strategic reason

Because of economic & political rivalry between European powers, some countries did not want their colonies to fall into the hands of their enemies. Example, it was fear of French expansion in Burma that forced the British to follow an aggressive policy of annexation of Burma. British feared if French annexed Burma, British interest in India would be affected. British feared if French annexed Burma, British interest in India would be affected. A French reporter once said “there has never been a great power without great colonies”.

Increase in population

Population of Europe had doubled between 1750-1850. This caused pressure on land & jobs. Some nationalist advocated conquest of land to ease population congestion. This led many Europeans to immigrate to US, Australia & New Zealand. More than 60 million people were believed to have left Europe between 1815-1932 to settle in colonies.

Advancement in technology

 The advancement in science & technology helped in speeding imperialism. There was great advancement in shipping & communication in early 19th century which made transportation of goods cheaper & faster. Telegraph service enabled quick business transaction. o Opening up of Suez Canal in 1869, reduced distance between Europe & Asia, thereby reducing transportation costs of goods.

Civilizing non-western world

Some westerners took upon themselves the responsibility of civilizing the non-western world. His was based on the assumption that they were more advanced in science & technology than those in Asia & Africa.

·         English considered this as “White Man’s Burdern”
·         French – “civilizing mission civilisatrice”
·         Germans – “diffusing Kultur”
·         Americans – “blessing of anglosaxon protection”

This factor responsible for ending slavery & improve health & education of people in colonies. Christian missionaries followed this policy in their efforts to spread Christianity

Conclusion

·         Imperialism has left both its positive & negative impact

·         Many European countries became prosperous at the expense of their colonized countries o

·         European language & culture were absorbed by Asians

·         Led to nationalism