Imperial globalisation Flashcards
syllabus
Leroy-Beaulieu, De la colonisation chez les peuples modernes, 1874: certain lands have been thoughtlessly abandoned, “civilising vocation” = colonies of exploitation (India), colonies of settlement (Australia) and mixed colonies (Algeria) BUT the important thing is capital. Colonisation was the only way to avoid France’s irreparable decline on the international stage.
Conrad, Au cœur des ténèbres, 1899: Charlie Marlow does everything in his power to be appointed captain of a steamship sailing up an African river (his predecessor was killed after beating up a village chief) + evocation of the madness that strikes explorers (doctor + Swede who hangs himself). The workers wear iron collars + a sort of death house = contrast between the treatment of the people & the class of the colonisers (accountant who criticises the noise made by the blacks).
The Brazza report, Brazza had the first protectorate treaty signed with the Congo in 1882 + outstanding explorer, 1903: Edouard Morel’s campaign condemning the “red rubber” produced in the Congo = Brazza, who had a good reputation, was commissioned to carry out an investigation. Women and children taken hostage in exchange for taxes (they die in detention). Mr Gentil denies any desire to make the natives suffer BUT rates the administrators according to the results of the native tax = not held accountable by the Commission.
a time of conquest
summary
expansion of imperialisms
.1 The Expansion of Colonial Imperialisms
The late 19th-century colonial push was driven by economic, cultural, and ideological factors, leading to rivalry among European states. This period witnessed the colonization of Africa and Southeast Asia, marking a significant shift in European influence.
1.2 The Modalities of Domination
The imperial expansion at the end of the 19th century was characterized by violence and conquest. Military and technological superiority allowed European powers to establish dominion, encountering resistance and engaging in numerous conflicts. The “civilizing mission” ideology, economic opportunities, and competition among nation-states fueled this expansion.
1.3 The Agents of Imperialism
Imperial expansion involved a diverse range of actors, including adventurers, explorers, missionaries, doctors, scientists, and philanthropists. Their motivations varied from economic interests to scientific exploration and the belief in the “civilizing mission.” This expansion also saw the involvement of merchants and industrialists seeking economic opportunities in the colonies.
- The Expansion of Imperialism
2.1 The Scramble for Africa
From the 1860s-1870s, a new phase of European expansion led to the takeover of almost all of Africa. The Scramble for Africa, spanning from the 1870s to the 1900s, resulted in the control of vast territories by European metropolises, leaving few regions untouched by British, French, Belgian, or German domination.
2.2 Global Imperial Rivalries
The late 19th-century expansion was not limited to European powers; the United States, Japan, and Russia also strengthened their colonial empires. Rivalries and competition among these powers, coupled with economic motivations, contributed to the global landscape of imperial dominance.
Methods of conquest
3.1 Violence and Resistance
Imperial expansion involved violence, military conflicts, and the dispossession of land. Resistance from colonized populations, armed conflicts, and guerrilla warfare were notable responses. The extermination policy applied by the Germans in South-West Africa highlighted the extreme forms of violence during this period.
3.2 Legal Legitimacy
Colonial powers sought legal legitimacy through treaties, such as protectorate treaties, to formalize their domination. Legal mechanisms were used alongside force to establish colonial control, reflecting the complexity of the colonial conquest process.
those involved in the conquest
Explorers and Adventurers
Explorers like Henry Morton Stanley played a crucial role in the imperial expansion, acting at the intersection of private and public interests. Their exploits were publicized in the press, contributing to the popularization of colonial endeavors.
4.2 Missionaries and Religious Figures
Religious missions extended the reach of imperialism, with missionaries participating in evangelization efforts and contributing to the expansion of European influences. Religious institutions played a significant role in administering schools and health services in the colonies.
4.3 Doctors, Scientists, and Philanthropists
The discourse of the “civilizing mission” was supported by doctors, scientists, and philanthropists. Colonial medicine, associated with biological racism, aimed to treat territories and populations, while scientific endeavors contributed to justifying imperial expansion.
4.4 Economic Actors
Economic actors, including merchants and industrialists, saw colonies as sources of raw materials, new markets, and reduced competition. Chambers of commerce and trade organizations played a role in influencing colonial policies to serve economic interests.
Conclusion
The rapid and multifaceted nature of imperial expansion during the late 19th century was driven by a convergence of various actors, ideologies, and economic motivations, shaping the colonial history of the time.
governing colonial empires
This section discusses the administration and governance of colonial empires during the late 19th century. It emphasizes the challenges faced by colonial authorities due to the shortage of staff and the resistance from local populations. The text explores the models of “indirect rule” and assimilation, highlighting the common characteristics shared by various colonial empires, such as chronic sub-administration and reliance on local intermediaries. The limited number and resources of colonial administrators, as well as the use of local agents for tasks like tax collection and maintaining order, are discussed. The section also touches on the colonial government’s efforts to map territories and control populations through tools like cartography and photography. Resistance from colonized populations and their strategies, such as migration, is also addressed.
adminsitration and management
This subsection challenges the traditional opposition between “indirect rule” and assimilationist models in colonial governance. It suggests that recent research has revised this view, highlighting common characteristics among colonial empires. These include chronic sub-administration, reliance on local political authorities or intermediaries, and the creation of plural legal systems. Despite efforts to train colonial administrators, the text notes the lower supervision rates in colonies compared to Europe. It provides examples of how colonial powers adapted existing institutions for governance and the challenges they faced in mapping conquered territories effectively.
colonial societies - migration and settlement
This section explores the composition of colonial societies, which primarily consisted of local populations, settlers, and non-European workers. It distinguishes British settlement colonies, where white migration was significant, from other colonies where European interaction with local populations was limited. The text discusses the impact of settlers on local societies, the creation of colonial cities, and the reproduction of European architecture in various parts of the globe. Additionally, it touches on the issue of Métis (mixed-race individuals) and the complexities of racial criteria in colonial societies.
exploitation predation or development
The section delves into the economic aspects of colonial imperialism, especially the theories linking capitalism and colonialism. It discusses the extraction of raw materials from colonies and the economic motivations behind imperial expansion. The text challenges the idea of colonial powers promoting development in their colonies, pointing out the limited impact of investments and major projects. It highlights cases of economic exploitation, such as the Congo under Belgian domination, where private companies were granted concessions for rubber, ivory, and mineral extraction, leading to widespread abuses. The text also touches on the justifications provided by imperial powers for colonization and the economic dynamics involved.
informal imperialism - the case of china
The text provides an overview of informal imperialism in the case of China during the 19th century, examining the strengths and weaknesses of the Qing Empire, the imperialism of foreign powers, and the reactions and reforms within China. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:- Definition: The concept of “informal imperialism” refers to the aggressive promotion of free trade, particularly by industrialized countries, without full colonization of a territory.
strengths and weaknesses of Qing empire
*Qing Dynasty’s Peak:** Around 1800, the Qing Manchu dynasty was seemingly at its peak with territorial expansion (including Tibet and Xinjiang) and prosperity in the Yangzi Delta region.
- Prosperity Challenges: Despite its apparent prosperity, China faced challenges, including a Malthusian lock due to population growth, limited land resources, and declining agricultural yields.
- Taiping Rebellion: Instability led to significant revolts, notably the Taiping Rebellion (1851-1864), with social and economic consequences.
imperialism of foreign powers
Opium Wars: Western powers, particularly Britain, engaged in informal imperialism through trade and military intervention, notably the Opium Wars (1839-1842) leading to the Treaty of Nanjing (1842).
- Second Opium War: The Second Opium War (1856-1860) involved a Franco-British alliance against China, leading to the Beijing Convention (1860) and intensified Western imperialism.
- Concessions: Foreign powers sought concessions, with Tianjin divided into foreign-controlled zones, and the Beijing Convention accelerating the penetration of foreign goods into China.
- Persian Example of Informal Imperialism
- Iran (Persia): Like China, Iran faced pressure from Western powers. The text highlights instances of foreign influence in Iran, such as Baron Julius de Reuter’s concession and Major G. F. Talbot’s tobacco concession, leading to opposition and political crises.
reactions and reforms
Chinese Reactions and Reforms
- Self-Strengthening Movement: China responded with the self-strengthening movement, aiming to import European technologies without abandoning traditional values.
- Limitations of Reforms: The defeat against Japan in 1895 revealed the limits of reform efforts. Emperor Guangxu’s radical reforms in 1898 faced opposition and were later repealed by the conservative Dowager Empress Cixi.
- Boxer Rebellion: Secret organizations, like the Boxers, emerged in opposition to Western imperialism and the Qing dynasty. The Boxer Rebellion in 1900 led to a coalition of eight countries imposing a new peace protocol on China.
- Transition to the Chinese Republic
- End of Imperial Era: The continuous defeats and foreign interference contributed to the fall of the Qing dynasty. The 1911 revolution in Wuhan marked the end of imperial history and the proclamation of the Chinese Republic.
This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the complexities of informal imperialism, the challenges faced by the Qing Empire, and the dynamic interactions between China and Western powers during the 19th century.
dates
1644-1912: Manchu dynasty
1820s: Liberia founded by former US slaves
1821: Paris Geographical Society
1839-1842: First Opium War
29 August 1842: Treaty of Nanking, 1st unequal treaty
1840-1940: 29 million Indians and 19 million Chinese migrate (to the British Empire??)
1850-1864: Taiping revolt
1856-1860: Second Opium War
1857: mutiny by Indian soldiers leading to a rural revolt
1860: Treaty of Peking
1870s - early 20th century: Scramble for Africa
1874: De la colonisation chez les peuples modernes, Leroy-Beaulieu
1881: Tunisia protectorate (France)
1882: Egypt protectorate (UK)
1884-1885: Berlin Conference
1885: Order of the White Fathers to convert populations (France)
1885: creation of the independent state of Congo (personal property of Leopold II)
1889-1990: Brussels international conference (to eliminate trafficking and smuggling in Africa)
1891: first Pasteur Institute inaugurated in Saigon
1894: Sino-Japanese war
1894: International Colonial Institute
1895: Shimonoseki
1896: Ethiopian victory over Italy
1897: Qingdao concession
1898: Fachoda incident
June-September 1898: the “Hundred Days” led by Guangxu
1898: Spanish-American War = Spain loses Cuba, Puerto Rico & the Philippines
1899-1902: Boer War in South Africa
1899: Heart of Darkness, Conrad
1900: Boxer Rebellion
1904-1908: Herero genocide by the Germans
1908: Belgian Congo
1910: Japan occupies Taiwan and Korea
1912: Morocco protectorate (France)
1914: ¼ of the world’s population lives in territories belonging to the British Empire
1931: Universal Exhibition (colonial)
personalities
Leroy-Beaulieu, argues in favour of colonisation (economic issue + geopolitical power)
Leopold II, King of Belgium from 1865 to 1909 = fully committed to colonisation BUT conferences in Brussels for “traffic-free” colonisation, 1889-1890. Scandals over treatment by private companies = Congo bequeathed to Belgium in 1908.
Bismarck, organises the Berlin conference 1884-1885 on the rules of colonisation (freedom of movement on the Niger and Congo rivers) BUT restraint = fear that colonial conquest would lead to inter-European conflicts.
Kipling, writer & poet: wrote The White Man’s Burden (both praise for colonisation + missions assigned to colonisers: no recognition of peoples BUT for their own good)
Stanley, explorer sent in 1871 to find Livingstone + combat-oriented
Dr Livingstone, explorer who wanted to combine a survey of Africa’s riches with evangelism: set out to find the sources of the Nile + found by Stanley, he continued his search for the sources and died in 1873
Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, naturalised French explorer + mission to the Congo to counter Belgian advances + 1882: first protectorate in the Congo BUT a bad administrator, he retired to Algiers = gained in prestige = sent on a control mission in 1905 where he died
Lenin, imperialism is only the logical consequence of capital accumulation (need to find new outlets for capital)
Conrad, worked in the English navy, travelled a lot & wrote novels for a living, including Au cœur des ténèbres, 1899, which denounced the exploitative conditions in the colonies
Voulet-Chanoine, two explorers who committed massacres along the way = even killed the French envoy Klobb
Hong Xiuqan, instigator of the Taiping revolt, visions, thought he was Christ’s little brother (influence of missionary populations) = proclaimed the “Celestial Kingdom of the Great Peace”.
Cixi, empress dowager firmly opposed to the reforms of the empire (coup d’état after the Hundred Days)
Liang Qichao, reformist academic who advocated China’s “self-reinforcement” and a constitutional monarchy
