Imperialism and Societal Shifts: Europe 1870-1914
International Panorama in the Time of Imperialism
The period between 1870 and 1914 was marked by peace, progress, and cultural and scientific advancements. It also saw population growth after the Second Industrial Revolution and the development of capitalism. However, significant tensions arose between the great powers, ultimately leading to the First World War.
Great International Powers
The United Kingdom, Germany, and France were the major international powers, with the United States in a continuing jurisdiction.
International Relations in Europe
Bismarck’s era (1871-1890) was characterized by a system of secret negotiations and alliances. This system eventually failed, leading to the period of Armed Peace (1891-1914), in which powers rearmed and organized into blocs. The Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance faced each other before the First World War.
Growth and Immigration in Europe
The European population increased from 300 to 400 million, leading to emigration. Cities grew due to increased transportation and improvements in living conditions.
The Second Industrial Revolution
Starting in 1870, the United States and Germany extended the use of electricity and oil. Fordism gave rise to mass production and the use of the assembly line.
Progress in Agriculture and Economy
The use of machinery, electricity, oil, chemical fertilizers, and improved food preservation and transportation methods benefited agriculture. The first trains, ships, and airplanes improved transportation. Communication was enhanced by the emergence of the telephone, the phonograph, cinema, and radio. Internal and external trade was boosted by department stores, advertising, installment plans, and improved transportation.
The Growth of Capitalism
Corporate concentration aimed to eliminate competition. The emergence of large banks and companies financed this growth.
Social Change
The proletariat grew dissatisfied with their situation. Mass production reduced prices, and working hours were regulated.
The Labor Movement
The labor movement gained affiliates, and political parties were created. Attempts were made to revive the Workers’ International.
Imperialism
Powers competed to expand and exploit territories in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Causes of Imperialism
The causes of imperialism included the control of trade routes, the pursuit of greatness, goodwill, the desire to alleviate internal tensions, and the search for raw materials. These motives were often disguised by the manipulation of Darwin’s ideas to justify racist ideologies and the supposed need to civilize the world.
Forms of Colonial Domination
- Concessions: Trade benefits between countries.
- Protectorates: The local government was kept, but foreign policy was controlled by the colonizing power (e.g., India).
- Colonies: Territories under the sovereignty of the colonizing power.
The Scramble for Africa
To avoid conflict, the powers met at the Berlin Conference (1884-1885).
Expansion into Asia and Oceania
Expansion into Asia and Oceania often involved the system of concessions and the division of areas of influence.
Consequences of Colonialism
The consequences of colonialism were largely negative. There were ethnic conflicts in some areas, and while hygiene and medical conditions improved in some places, in others, the indigenous death toll increased due to the spread of diseases and exploitation. The powers acted in their own self-interest, increasing social differences and shattering indigenous cultures, languages, and religious beliefs. However, for the metropolises, colonialism brought power, wealth, and knowledge, although it was also a cause of the First World War.