Colonial Expansion in Asia, Africa & America: 1870-1914
Colonial Expansion in Asia and Africa: 1870-1914
Key Differences in Colonialism Between Asia and Africa
While the similarities in the colonization of Africa were limited to the same causes and the maintenance of colonialism, primarily through privileged companies, the differences in Asia were as follows:
- The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 was the event that provoked colonialism in Asia.
- Non-European powers such as Japan, the USA, and Russia participated in the division of Asia.
- In most cases, there was a conquest of territory.
- The most used method of administration was the protectorate.
The Division of China
China was an absolutist territory ruled by emperors. The arrival of foreigners marked the beginning of a revolutionary and xenophobic wave, ending with the overthrow of the emperors. The British were the first to reach China, followed by other powers. However, China maintained theoretical independence because the colonial powers were satisfied with the division of spheres of influence.
Southeast Asia
This area was dominated by the French, who established the colony of Cochin China under the protectorate regime on the border with the British colonies, establishing the rule of Japan Slaw. Indonesia belonged to the English since the seventeenth century.
India
India was valued by the British, first through privileged companies and later through direct administration, headed by a Viceroy. The British presence provoked an outrage that resulted in the Sepoy Mutiny. Cultural assimilation allowed indigenous elites to acquire English culture, forming nationalist parties.
Central Asia
Central Asia aroused the interest of other powers due to its oil fields. While these territories were ruled by Central Asian Turks, the British divided the south and Russia the north.
The American Empire
The American Empire was characterized by giving up direct control of the territory and settling for governments that imposed their interests and defended their businesses. It focused mainly on the Caribbean area, from which it expelled the Spanish, and also participated in the independence of Panama from Venezuela.
Consequences of Colonial Expansion
Positive Consequences
- In the conquered territories, there was strong population growth because Europeans brought their medical and sanitary progress.
- There was progress in literacy, and tribal Indians abandoned many practices.
- Europeans built many public works (ports, roads, railways, etc.).
Negative Consequences
- Europeans obtained large profits by exploiting natural resources and indigenous people.
- They tried to eliminate indigenous cultures and substitute their own.
- Europeans followed a policy of racial segregation in which they enjoyed privileges that were denied to indigenous people.
- Europeans did not bother to train indigenous people for independence, thus ensuring future economic control.
International Relations Between 1870 and 1914
1870 – 1890
During this period, international relations were dominated by Chancellor Bismarck. During his tenure, he made Germany a great power, enabling it to be the arbiter of international relations. He succeeded in establishing a system of alliances that kept France and England isolated, and Germany had hegemonic relations with major powers on the continent.