7.7 - Imperialism's Global Effects

Effects of the Second Wave of European Imperialism

Impact on Europe and Africa/Asia:

• Scramble for Africa: Industrialized European states rapidly divided Africa among themselves to access raw materials and markets, leading to intense competition and tension between European powers. The race to colonize Africa created the risk of war.

Berlin Conference (1884-1885):

• Purpose: Otto von Bismarck organized the Berlin Conference to allow European powers to peacefully divide Africa through negotiation, avoiding direct conflict.

• Outcome: Almost the entire continent was claimed by European powers, but Africans were not included in the discussions and their interests were ignored.

Tensions Between European Powers:

• Fashoda Crisis: Both Britain and France wanted to connect their African empires via railroads, leading to a military standoff in Sudan. France eventually withdrew to maintain a potential alliance with Britain against the rising power of Germany, leading to the signing of the Entente Cordiale in 1904.

• Moroccan Crises: Germany backed Moroccan rebellions against French control in North Africa in 1905 and 1911, leading to heightened tensions. However, the strength of the Franco-British alliance dissuaded Germany from pursuing war, and the conflicts were resolved diplomatically.

Growing Opposition to Imperialism:

• Artistic Criticism: Some Europeans began to question the morality of imperialism. British writer Joseph Conrad criticized the brutal practices in the Belgian Congo through his novel Heart of Darkness, exposing the horrors of King Leopold II’s exploitation of the Congolese.

• Congo Reform Association: British activist Edmund Morel formed this group to address the violence in the Congo, gathering prominent writers to campaign against Leopold’s rule. Their efforts eventually forced Leopold to transfer control of the Congo to Belgium.

Economic Criticism:

• J.A. Hobson: This economist argued that imperialism was economically unsustainable and detrimental in the long run, as it relied on unstable markets. He believed imperialism was a drag on capitalism.

• Vladimir Lenin: Lenin, though critical of capitalism, agreed with Hobson that imperialism was inherently exploitative, but he saw it as a fulfillment rather than an aberration of capitalism, advocating for the overthrow of both.

Resistance to Imperial Rule:

• Zulu Rebellion: In British-controlled Natal and Zululand, forced labor in diamond mines led to a nationalist uprising by the Zulus. Despite early victories, the British eventually crushed the rebellion.

• Ethiopian Resistance: Ethiopia successfully resisted Italian colonization under King Menelik II, who armed his forces with modern weapons from France and Russia. Ethiopia remained an independent African state.

• Sepoy Mutiny (1857): In British India, rapid westernization and the erosion of local traditions led to a nationalist rebellion by Indian soldiers (sepoys). The rebellion spread across India but was eventually suppressed. The mutiny led to the transfer of control from the British East India Company to the British government.