Imperialism's GLOBAL EFFECTS [AP Euro Review—Unit 7 Topic 7]

Summary

The video explores the second wave of European imperialism, particularly the Scramble for Africa, highlighting the political tensions among European powers and the impact on African and Asian peoples. It delves into the Berlin Conference's peaceful division of Africa, the tensions between European states, and the objections to imperialism voiced by figures like Joseph Conrad and Edmund Morel. The video also covers resistance movements in Africa, such as the Zulu and Ethiopian rebellions, and the significant impact of the 1857 Indian Rebellion. It concludes by connecting these events to the growing tensions that contributed to World War I.

Takeaways

• 😀 European imperialism, particularly the 'second wave', focused on colonizing Africa and Asia to access raw materials and new markets.
• 😀 The Scramble for Africa led to significant tensions between European powers, as they competed for the largest pieces of the African continent.
• 😀 The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 allowed European powers to divide Africa peacefully, but excluded African representatives from the discussions.
• 😀 The Fashoda Crisis in 1898 nearly led to war between Britain and France over control of Sudan, but was resolved diplomatically.
• 😀 The Moroccan Crises of 1905 and 1911 showed growing animosity between France, Britain, and Germany, contributing to the tensions that led to World War I.
• 😀 Some Europeans began questioning imperialism, with notable voices like Joseph Conrad and Edmund Morel highlighting the brutality of European colonial policies.
• 😀 Joseph Conrad’s novel *Heart of Darkness* criticized the violent and exploitative nature of European imperialism, especially in the Belgian Congo.
• 😀 Economic arguments against imperialism emerged, such as those from economist J.A. Hobson, who claimed imperialism was detrimental to capitalism in the long run.
• 😀 Nationalist movements in colonized regions, such as the Zulus in Natal and the Ethiopians, began to challenge European imperialism with varying degrees of success.
• 😀 Ethiopia successfully resisted Italian colonization in 1896, thanks to King Menelik II's military preparations and alliances with France and Russia.
• 😀 The 1857 Sepoy Mutiny in British India, fueled by resentment of British colonial rule, led to the transfer of control from the British East India Company to the British government.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the European imperial powers during the second wave of imperialism in Africa?

The main goal was to gain access to more raw materials to feed their factories and to find new markets for their manufactured goods.

How did the Berlin Conference impact the colonization of Africa?

The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 allowed European powers to peacefully divide up Africa without any input from African nations, effectively claiming almost the entire continent for European empires.

What event nearly led to war between Britain and France in Africa, and what was the outcome?

The Fashoda Crisis almost led to war between Britain and France as both nations wanted to connect their African empires via railroad through Sudan. However, France withdrew after realizing they were outnumbered, and the British gained control of the region.

What was The Entente Cordiale, and why was it significant?

The Entente Cordiale, signed in 1904, was an agreement between France and Britain to establish friendly relations. It was significant because it helped both nations align against the growing power of Germany.

How did the Moroccan Crises affect relations between France, Britain, and Germany?

The Moroccan Crises of 1905 and 1911 saw Germany challenge France's control over Morocco, increasing tensions between the European powers. The crises ultimately strengthened the bond between France and Britain, while antagonizing Germany.

What were some of the objections Europeans had toward imperialism during this period?

Some Europeans objected to imperialism due to its brutal practices, economic drawbacks, and ethical concerns. These objections included criticisms of forced labor, as seen in the Congo, and the instability it brought to global markets.

Who was Joseph Conrad, and how did his work contribute to the critique of imperialism?

Joseph Conrad was a British writer who witnessed the brutalities of the Belgian Congo under King Leopold II. His novel *Heart of Darkness* highlighted the horrors of imperial rule, particularly the exploitation and violence faced by the Congolese people.

What was the impact of Edmund D. Morel's Congo Reform Association?

Edmund D. Morel's Congo Reform Association raised awareness about the violence in the Congo under Leopold II. His efforts, along with the support of other writers, led to the transfer of Congo's control from Leopold to the Belgian government.

What were the differing views of J.A. Hobson and Vladimir Lenin regarding imperialism?

J.A. Hobson argued that imperialism was economically damaging because it relied on unstable markets, while Lenin believed imperialism was the natural extension of capitalism and argued both capitalism and imperialism should be overthrown.

How did indigenous people in colonized regions challenge European imperialism?

Indigenous peoples in regions like Africa and India resisted European imperialism through rebellions and nationalism, such as the Zulu Rebellion in Africa and the Sepoy Mutiny in India, demonstrating growing opposition to colonial rule.