Colonial Empires and the Rise of the League of Nations
Major Colonial Empires
British Empire
The United Kingdom was the foremost economic and political power. It had the most extensive empire, covering large areas in all inhabited continents. By 1850, it consisted of settler colonies (Australia, New Zealand, Canada) and exploitation colonies (India, Egypt). The most important of its colonies was India: a heavily populated area with an ancient culture that was administered by the East India Company since 1777. The fundamental basis of trade was in Calcutta, Bengal. The state of foreign policy and defense of the Indian metropolis was controlled by small enclaves such as Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Suez, Aden, Ceylon, and the Ionian Islands.
French Empire
French expansion was less extensive. It was conducted in two main areas: North Africa, where it occupied much of the Mediterranean coastline, and East Asia, where it practically dominated the entire Indochina peninsula. The conquest took place between 1858 and 1860 in the region of the Mekong River. After signing a treaty with the king of Annam, France ceded the eastern provinces.
Dutch Empire
In the 18th century, the Netherlands had settled in South African colonies (Boers). These were farmers who exercised brutal repression against the African tribes that inhabited this territory. Since 1881, the Boers clashed with the British for dominance in the area and were displaced to the north, settling in Orange and Transvaal. After the important discovery of diamond mines, wars took place between 1899 and 1902. The United Kingdom ultimately won, controlling the entire South Africa. Since 1910, it has been known as the South African Union, a unique area totally dominated by whites.
League of Nations
An international organization was born to peacefully resolve any disputes between countries. It was based on international law that must govern relations between states.
Objectives:
- To ensure peace and avoid war.
- To peacefully resolve conflicts.
- To enforce peace treaties.
- To control disarmament.
- To promote international cooperation.
- To protect minorities.
- To manage territories.
It consisted of 48 member states and a council of permanent countries and 4 victorious countries, elected every 3 years.
Consequences of European Expansion
Colonized Countries
Economy: The main purpose was the exploitation of vast territories with abundant native resources. The best land was appropriated, displacing indigenous people. Large commercial companies received government permission to develop land through the monoculture plantation system. To exploit resources, control colonial markets, and sell their products, industrial infrastructure was created: coastal ports, roads, and railways.
Social: The population increased because the birth rate remained high while mortality declined due to the first victories against tropical diseases, the construction of hospitals, and adequately trained medical personnel. The influence of Western culture arrived, destroying the cultural identity of indigenous beliefs and changing traditions. In some areas, social segregation occurred, keeping the Indians in inferior jobs and neighborhoods.
Colonizing Countries
- They placed their excess population in the colonies.
- They obtained plenty of raw materials, and cheaply.
- They sold industrial products in the colonies.
Colonies, so-called strategic enclaves and military bases, had the following objectives:
- To control strategic points.
- To master means of communication for world trade.
Types of Colonies
Colonies of Exploitation: Settlements founded by a European nation in a less developed country, which was completely subjected to their political, economic, and cultural control.
Colonies of Settlement: Extensive, sparsely populated colonies to absorb emigrants. The exploitation of these territories gave them broad economic, social, and political autonomy.
Protectorates: These were formed in countries where there was a major indigenous political organization. Local sovereignty was not entirely abolished.
Countries that were Formed
Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Yugoslavia. Austria was turned into a republic. France regained Alsace-Lorraine. The Ottoman Empire lost all but Istanbul. Greece won Thrace.