New Imperialism

Question 1

What was the ‘New Imperialism’?

Answer 1

A period of colonial expansion by European powers, US, and Japan during the late 19th and early 20th Century

Question 2

What was the starting point of the ‘New Imperialism’?

Answer 2

Post 1870’s Great Depression was argued to be the starting point of the New Imperialism

Question 3

What triggered the beginning of the New Imperialism?

Answer 3

There was a need to search for new economic opportunities

Question 4

What are the economic arguments for Imperialism? (5)

Answer 4

1. New markets for manufactured commodities
2. Access to raw materials (e.g. rubber.)
3. Open up opportunities for investment
4. Cheaply source commodities (e.g cocoa and tea.)
5. Access cheap labour

Question 5

Give an example of how international context of economic rivalries has changed.

Answer 5

New economic context shapes imperialist thinking,

i.e. rise of protectionism

Question 6

What impact did economic rivalries have?

Answer 6

In 1891, Lord Salisbury argues need for African colonies to prevent rivals ‘crippling the trade that we otherwise should possess’

Question 7

Who argues against imperialist expansion?

Answer 7

1. Although it was argued Imperial project might solve economic/political problems, it was far from simple & imperialism lacks mass appeal 1870s/1880s
2. Working class movements
3. Radicals Georges Clemenceau & nationalist Paul Deroulede
4. John Bright and Richard Cobden

Question 8

How did the Working class movements feel about the imperialist expansion?

Answer 8

They were anti-imperialist (e.g. 1865 mass meetings of Jamaica Committee) and socialist internationalism voiced (esp. In aftermath of 1871 Commune)

Question 9

How did Radicals Georges Clemenceau & nationalist Paul Deroulede feel about imperialist expansion?

Answer 9

They opposed nationalism as it was a distraction from revenge (Alsace-Lorraine)

Question 10

How did John Bright and Richard Cobden feel about imperialist expansion?

Answer 10

They argued against the empire as it contradicted their idea of laissez-faire

Question 11

Who argues for imperialist expansion?

Answer 11

1. Jules Ferry
2. Protestant missionary David Livingstone
3. Rudyard Kipling

Question 12

How did Jules Ferry feel about imperialist expansion?

Answer 12

In 1883, he said ‘superior races have rights over inferior races… [they] have a right because they have a duty. They have the duty to civilise inferior races’ in addition to the economic case

Question 13

Why did Protestant missionary David Livingstone want to expand?

Answer 13

‘Three C’s’ - Christianity, Civilisation and Commerce

Question 14

What was the moral argument?

Answer 14

Imperialism was a means of bringing these benefits and civilisation to the enslaved and ignorant natives of the undeveloped world

Question 15

How did Rudyard Kipling feel about imperialist expansion?

Answer 15

• He used racial difference as an explanation for ‘civilizing’ Africa
• He wrote a poem in 1898 called White Man’s Burden, characterising native populations as ‘sullen peoples’ Half-devil and half-child’

Question 16

How was the brutality justified?

Answer 16

It was believed the general principle of subordination of inferior could justify harsh treatment & brutal repression

Question 17

What was the main driving force behind the expansion?

Answer 17

Economic private merchants coerced the government into agreeing with them

Question 18

Give examples of private organisations/people rather than government actions who argued for expansion

Answer 18

1. Carl Peters
2. Frenchman Brazza
3. German merchant adventure Luderitz
4. Cecil Rhodes
5. Fabri

Question 19

How was Frenchman Brazza significant towards the expansion?

Answer 19

• The exploration Congo was sponsored by French Societe Geographique de Paris & Leopold of Belgium’s International African Association
• He negotiated treaties & then persuaded the French government to act on them (helped by certain prominent backers, public interest)

Question 20

How was Carl Peters significant towards the expansion?

Answer 20

He was part of the company for German Colonisation & creation German protectorate in East Africa despite official opposition

Question 21

What happened to Bismarck?

Answer 21

Bismarck was talked into South-West African Expansion by German merchant adventure Luderitz

Question 22

How was Cecil Rhodes significant towards the expansion?

Answer 22

In 1889, Cecil Rhodes found British South Africa Company

and colonial propagandists (e.g. Fabri, French Colonial Union & Colonial Group - 90 deputies 1892, 120 1893)

Question 23

Who was Fabri and what arguments did he have in favour of Imperialist Expansion?

Answer 23

• He was a German Propagandist in 1879 who argued Germany should expand as at the time it was far superior and more advanced when compared to other nations. Referring to its seapower, economically and politically minded people and the easy availability to high quality labour.
• He argued that Germany should capitalise on its dominance

Question 24

What example does Fabri use to prove his claims?

Answer 24

Fabri really emphasises how important Germany capitalising on its dominance is, claiming its “life or death” for Germany, showing the extent to which he believes empire plays a role in the survival of a powerful nation. He refers to Britain and its relatively small size and manpower, but how its able to maintain its grasp of territories worldwide showing how strong they are and he highlights the economic advantages to this

Question 25

Who was Ferry and what arguments did he have in favour of Imperialist Expansion?

Answer 25

• He was a French Statesman around 1883 and 1890 who believed it was their duty to civilise inferior races.
• Ships can only carry 2 weeks worth of coal - necessary for over sea ports and stations - otherwise ships vulnerable to attack. A need for expansion in order for ships to refuel.