6.2 Expansion of Imperialism

State Expansion

• Colonialism: European powers such as Britain, France, and Spain established colonies in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This process involved the displacement of indigenous populations, the imposition of European political and economic systems, and the extraction of resources for the benefit of the colonizing power.
• Imperialism: European powers also engaged in imperialism, which involved the domination and control of other countries through political, economic, and military means. This process led to the subjugation of local populations, the suppression of local cultures and traditions, and the exploitation of resources.
• Industrialization: The rise of industrialization in Europe and North America led to the growth of capitalist economies and the expansion of trade and commerce. This process led to the development of new forms of economic and political power, as well as the emergence of new social classes and the decline of traditional forms of power.
• Nationalism: The rise of nationalism movements in various parts of the world led to the emergence of new nation-states and the decline of empires. This process led to the formation of new political entities and the reshaping of existing ones.
• War: Wars between European powers and other states led to the shifting of state power through the conquest and annexation of territories.

African Imperialism

• Suez Canal: The Suez Canal, built by the French and the Egyptians in 1869, connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing ships to bypass the long and dangerous trip around the southern tip of Africa. The canal was of great strategic importance, especially for the British Empire, which relied heavily on sea trade. The British government purchased shares in the canal in 1875 and in 1882, they occupied Egypt.
• British West Africa: During the 19th century, Britain established control over a number of territories in West Africa, including modern-day Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. The British established colonies and imposed their political and economic systems on these territories. They also engaged in the forced labor of indigenous peoples, and the extraction of resources, particularly palm oil and gold.
• French in Africa: In the late 19th century, France also began to establish colonies in Africa. They controlled a large territory in West and Central Africa, including modern-day Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Chad. Like the British, the French imposed their political and economic systems on these territories, engaged in forced labor and extract resources. French rule in Africa was characterized by centralization, a strong military presence and forced assimilation of the indigenous peoples.

The Scramble for Africa

Imperialism in South Asia

Imperialism in East Asia

• British imperialism in East Asia: The British established control over parts of India, including present-day Bangladesh and Pakistan, which were known as British India. They also established colonies in present-day Malaysia and Singapore. The British established control over the region's trade and commerce, using the area as a source of raw materials and a market for their manufactured goods. They also imposed their political and economic systems on the colonies, suppressed local cultures and traditions, and exploited resources and labor.
• French imperialism in East Asia: The French established colonies in present-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, which were known as French Indochina. They also established control over parts of present-day China and Taiwan, which were known as French Concession. Like the British, the French imposed their political and economic systems on the colonies, suppressed local cultures and traditions, and exploited resources and labor.
• American imperialism in East Asia: In 1898, the United States annexed the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico, which were previously under Spanish control. The United States also established control over Hawaii in 1898 and established trading relations with China. The American imperialism in East Asia was primarily focused on economic gain and the American government established trade relations, and sought access to resources and markets.
• Japanese imperialism in East Asia: Japan began to expand its influence in East Asia in the late 19th century and early 20th century, eventually establishing control over parts of China and Korea, as well as Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. Japan's imperialism in East Asia was characterized by military conquest, suppression of local cultures, and the exploitation of resources.

US Imperialism in Latin America & Pacific Regions

• Latin America: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States intervened in the internal affairs of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, to protect American economic interests and to promote American political ideals. This led to the establishment of American-friendly governments in the region and the suppression of local cultures and traditions. The United States also acquired territories in the region, such as Puerto Rico and Guam, through war or treaty.

• The Pacific: In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii, which had been a sovereign kingdom until then. The United States also established control over Guam and Puerto Rico, which were previously under Spanish control. In 1898, the United States also defeated Spain in the Spanish-American War, which allowed the US to gain control of Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.