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The Age of

ImperialismReading Comprehension

The Age of ImperialismDuring the late nineteenth century many countries started to imperialize other nations. Imperialism is the spreading of the rule of one country over another. There are four main types of imperialism: Colonial, Cultural, Political, and Economic. Very few places in the world were able to evade imperialism.

AfricaSeveral nations met at the Berlin Conference in 1884 to divide up Africa in a civil manner. The countries who attended the Conference were: Austria -Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France,

Due to superior weapons and power of the Europeans, Africans were usually unable to fight back. In South Africa, the Zulus, a large tribe united under Shaka Zulu, fought back and were almost successful in defeating the British. In the end, they were unable to stave off the greater weapons though. The Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, also fought the British in South Africa. Again, they were almost successful, but ended up falling to British control.

African nations acquired their independence mainly in the 1950s and 1960s. Ethiopia and Liberia were the only two countries in Africa who remained independent during African imperialism. Despite gaining their independence, many African nations were left poor and dependent on European nations. They often did not have the knowledge and education to run their own governments. There were a few positives of imperialism for Africa including medicine, education, improved infrastructure, Christianity, and defined boundaries.

Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway, Turkey, and the United States of America. The Industrial Revolution fueled the desire for cheap labor, raw materials, and new markets. They felt it was their duty to civilize the natives, often called the “White Man’s Burden.” There was competition among European nations to gain access to these items in Africa. Africa was split up among European nations at the Berlin Conference. They did not take the natives’ interests, linguistic boundaries, or ethnic rivals into account.

IndiaThe British East India Company gained power in India when they set up trading posts there. Eventually they defeated the Mughal Dynasty and began leading the nation. India was called the “Jewel in the Crown” because of the plethora of raw materials it provided. This was especially important after the Industrial Revolution when cotton for textiles was vital.

Sepoys were Indian soldiers who were under the command of British officers. The British were racist and acted superior over the natives in India. Christian missionaries furthered Eurocentric feelings with the mentality that Christianity was the best. There were some positives to British imperialism in India. They established a large railroad network system to transport goods around the country. Other infrastructure such as modern roads, telephone and telegraph lines, dams, bridges, and irrigation canals were built. Public health and sanitation in India also improved. Literacy increased with the establishment of schools and colleges. Bandits, once a problem in central India, were cleared out and warfare among competing local rulers in India.

Indian resentment of British rule in India grew in the 1850s. Not only were British taking the Indian’s land, but they also had racist attitudes toward natives of India. Resentment was thrown into full revolt after rumors spread that new rifle cartridges were greased with beef and pork fat. In order to load the guns, sepoys had to bite the end of the cartridges. Most sepoys were either Muslim or Hindu. Muslims do not eat pork and Hindus consider the cow sacred, so this was offensive to them religiously. Sepoys began rebelling in what came to be known as the Sepoy Mutiny. It spread over much of northern India. The British government became involved to put down the rebellion. They took over control of Britain instead of the British East India Company, a time period was called the British Raj.

The British Raj lasted from 1757 to 1947. The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 to promote Indian involvement in the government of the Raj. Unfortunately the Raj ignored them, so they began fighting for their independence. Mohandas Gandhi was a leader of the Indian National Congress who promoted the rights of Indians and their freedom. The Muslim League was another group who fought for Indian independence from Britain. India eventually won their independence in 1947.

ChinaInterest in China by European dates all the way back to the days of Marco Polo in the late 1200s. China had many goods like silk, porcelain, and tea that Europeans desired. The Chinese did not want anything Europeans offered them for trade though. It was not until the Chinese became addicted to opium, a drug, that they became interested in trading with the European nations. At the time Britain controlled India, which had many poppy fields, where the opium was derived. The British imported opium into China from India. Eventually the Chinese were so addicted to the drug that their nation started to fail.

Chinese leaders attempted to ban the opium trade and became involved in the Opium Wars with Britain. The Chinese were defeated in the battles and had to sign the Treaty of Nanjing, an unequal agreement. They were forced to give up land, such as Hong Kong, to the British and open many more ports to trade with Europeans. Eventually, Europeans took control over many parts of China. These Spheres of Influence guaranteed trading privileges with certain nations.

Chinese tensions grew and the Taiping Rebellion occurred between 1850 and 1864. Chinese citizens were disgusted with the efforts of their government to rid China of opium and foreign influence after the Opium Wars. It was by far the bloodiest war of the nineteenth century. The government eventually got the rebellion under control, but it was so weakened that it never fully recovered to regain effective rule over China.

In 1900 the Boxer Rebellion started in response to the Open Door Policy, stating all nations should have equal trading rights regardless of the Spheres of Influence. During this rebellion many foreigners and Christian missionaries were killed. Other countries, including the United States, deployed troops to China to put down the Rebellion. The Qing Dynasty came to an end in 1911 and China had a Civil War in the years that followed. Eventually, Mao Zedong took charge and established a Communist government in 1949.

IndonesiaThe Dutch East India Company was chartered in 1602 and actively sought lands in Southeast Asia. They seized the islandsmaking up the present-day archipelago of Indonesia, then called the Dutch East Indies. This land was valuable for its rich soil allowing the harvesting of manyimportant crops including coffee, pepper, cinnamon, sugar, indigo, and tea. There were also rich deposits of tin and copper that were mined extensively. The forests of Southeast Asia provided valuable timber like teak, ebony, and other hardwoods. The discovery of oil and tin on the islands and the desire for more rubber plantations prompted the Dutch to gradually expand their control over the islands of Southeast Asia.

The Dutch used forced labor, called the Culture System, to gather raw materials in the East Indies. They purposefully discouraged Westernization, or the spreading of European culture. The management of Dutch plantations and trade brought a large Dutch population to the islands. A rigid class-system was created with the Dutch on top, wealthy and educated Indonesians in the middle, and the plantation workers on the bottom. The Dutch forced farmers to plant one-fifth of their land in specified cash crops.

In 1825, Diponegoro, a native prince from the East Indian island of Java, started a revolt against the Dutch. The revolt lasted ten years, but ended in failure. The Dutch encountered little opposition for the next eighty years. The Dutch East India Company formally dissolved in 1900 due to bankruptcy, and the Netherlands government established the Dutch East Indies under government control. Some nationalist movements were attempted during the early 1900s. Most nationalist leaders came from a small group of young professionals and students, many of whom were educated in the Netherlands. In an attempt to repress the nationalist movement many people were arrested and some imprisoned for their political activities.

The Japanese invaded and occupied the East Indies from 1942-1945 during World War II. This ended Dutch rule and encouraged the previously suppressed Indonesian independence movement. Two days after the surrender of Japan in August of 1945, Indonesian nationalist leader, Sukarno, declared independence and became president. The Netherlands tried to reestablish their rule, but a bitter armed and diplomatic struggle ended in December of 1949. In the face of international pressure, the Dutch formally recognized Indonesian independence.

Malayan PeninsulaBurma, modern Myanmar, was ruled by the British from 1824 to 1948. It was created as a Province of British India and was later established as its own colony. Burma is sometimes referred to as “the Scottish Colony” due to the heavy role played by Scotsmen in colonizing and running of the country. The country had an important location between China and India for trade and had self-sufficient agriculture. Burmese rice was often a sought-after product once the Suez Canal opened. Indian merchants traveled along the coasts and rivers, especially the Irrawaddy River.

A nationalist movement began in the early 1900’s in Burma with the increase of an educated Burmese population. The Empire of Japan invaded Burma in 1942 during World War II. Even though they never fully conquered Burma, they impacted Burma. British troops regained control over Burma in 1945. Burma achieved their independence from Britain on January 4, 1948.

Malaysia was first colonized by the Portuguese in 1511, and later the Dutch took over control. The British also took over Malaysia, which contained large deposits of tin and became the world’s leading rubber exporter. They needed workers to mine the tin and tap the rubber trees, so the British encouraged the Chinese to immigrate to Malaysia. The Chinese flocked to the area, causing the Malays to become a minority in their own country. Conflicts soon occurred between the Chinese and Malays, which still remains today. Japan invaded Malaysia during World War II, ending British domination in Malaysia. The Malayan Communist Party fought the British and eventually won their independence.

1895

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia (Indochina)France obtained control over northern Vietnam following its victory over China in the Sino -French War in 1885. French Indochina was formed in October of 1887. Cambodia and Laos were added after the Franco -Siamese War in 1893. The federation lasted until 1954. Nationalist sentiments intensified in Vietnam after World War I, but all the uprising and efforts failed to obtain concessions from French overseers.

The principal religion in French Indochina was Buddhism. Active Catholic missionaries were widespread throughout Indochina and sought to convert the people of French Indochina to Catholicism. About 10% of the population became Catholic by the end of French rule. During French colonial rule, the French language was the principal language of education, government, trade, and media in French Indochina. Despite the dominance of the French language, local populations still largely spoke their native languages. After French rule ended, the French language was still used largely among the new governments, but since then, English has massively replaced French as the second language. English has been increasingly taught in schools across the country. Today, less than 0.5% of Vietnamese population can speak French.

French Indochina’s government was funded by local taxes. The French government established a near monopoly on the trade of opium, salt, and rice alcohol. Those three products formed about 44% of the colonial government’s budget in 1920, but declined to 20% by 1930 as the colony began to economically diversify. France started exploiting French Indochina for its natural resources in the 1930s. The colony was a source of tea, rice, coffee, pepper, coal, zinc, tin, and rice. Timber was harvested at a small scale in Laos. During the 20th century, the growing automobile industry in France resulted in growth of the

Japan occupied French Indochina during World War II and kept power until they surrendered in August of 1945. After the war, France attempted to reassert itself in French Indochina, but came into conflict with the Viet Minh, a coalition of Communist and Vietnamese nationalists under the French-educated dissident Ho Chi Minh. The United States supported the Viet Minh and made it clear after the war the French were not to reacquire French Indochina. After much conflict, President Ho Chi Minh declared independence for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945. However, the French and British fought for control of the area in the First Indochina War until May of 1954 when the Viet Minh won a decisive victory against French forces.

rubber industry in French Indochina. Plantations were built throughout the colony and France became a leading producer of rubber through its colony. Indochinese rubber became prized in the industrialized world. The success of rubber plantations resulted in an increase in investment in the colony by various firms, like Michelin. French Indochina began to industrialize as factories opened. They produced textiles, cigarettes, beer, and cement which were exported throughout the French Empire. The French helped improve the infrastructure of French Indochina by adding roads, improving ports, railroads, and telegraph cables.

The Geneva Conference of 1954 produced the Geneva Agreements between North Vietnam and France. France relinquished any claim to the area and troops withdrew. Northern Vietnam was turned over the Communists while the south remained democratic with the support of the United States. Both Laos and Cambodia also became independent in 1954, but both were drawn in to the Vietnam War.

Philippines, Puerto Rico, and GuamThe United States were motivated to imperialize the Philippines for many reasons. Economically, they desired new markets and trade possibilities. They believed they were racially superior than Filipinos and felt a need to civilize the natives and spread Christianity. America had the political motivation to fulfill their destiny as a world power by colonizing and looking for fresh land to conquer. Some Americans were against imperialism because they disliked the idea of colonizing other nations, from their own experience with the British.

Filipino nationalists were unhappy about trading one colonizer, the Spanish, for another, the United States. Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the Filipino nationalists, claimed the United States had promised the Philippines immediate independence and established the Philippine Republic. The United States became involved in a fierce struggle with the Filipino nationalists in 1899, but defeated them in 1902.

The United States promised Filipinos they would prepare them for self-rule. They built roads, railroads, hospitals, and set up school systems to help achieve this goal. As with other Southeast Asian areas, businessmen encouraged Filipino to grow cash crops, like sugar, instead of basic food crops. As a result, there was a major food shortage for Filipinos. The Philippines were occupied by Japan during World War II. The United States retained sovereignty over the Philippines until 1945. They were recognized as an independent nation after World War II.

Puerto Rico was originally populated by aboriginal people known as Taino. The island was claimed by Christopher Columbus for Spain during his second voyage to the Americans on November 19, 1493 and remained a Spanish colony until 1898. Many Taino were forced into slavery during the early years of colonization. Many died from European diseases brought over. During Spanish rule, the island’s culture and physical landscape was transformed. European knowledge, customs, and traditions were introduced, such as Christianity and the Spanish language. They were exposed to advancements like agriculture, stone construction, and new technologies like the clock and printing press. Numerous public buildings, forts, churches, and public infrastructure built during Spanish rule are still standing in Puerto Rico today. It remained a Spanish colony despite attempts of invasion by the French, Dutch, and British. On November 25, 1897, Spain granted limited self-government to the island by royal decree in the Autonomic Charter with a bicameral legislature. However, this all changed in 1898 when Spain ceded its control of the island to the United States following the Spanish-American War under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. Today, people who are born in

Guam was controlled by the Spanish for more than two centuries. It was acquired by America after the Spanish-American War in 1898 and was a port-of-call crossing the Pacific Ocean. Guam was taken over by the Japanese during World War II. During that occupation, the people of Guam were subjected to forced labor, torture, and beheadings. Guam was subject to fierce fighting when U.S. troops recaptured the island on July 21st, 1944, a date commemorated every year as Liberation day. Guam is now an unincorporated territory of the United States supported by its principal industry of tourism.

Puerto Rico are natural-born U.S. citizens. The territory has their own local constitution and Puerto Ricans elect their own governor. However, Puerto Rico does not have voting members in Congress. Puerto Rico remains a U.S. territory, but many people would like for it to become a state.

AustraliaAustralia was first inhabited by Aborigines who came to the continent from Southeast Asia anywhere between 40,000 to 70,000 years ago. The first recorded sighting of Australia by a European was by Dutchman Willem Janszoon in 1606. Dutch navigators continued to explore the coast and named the land New Holland. Other Europeans also explored the land. In 1770, Captain James Cook of Britain sailed the entire length of the eastern coast of Australia. He stopped at Botany Bay after rounding Cape York and claimed the continent for the British and named it New South Wales. A 1772 French expedition claimed sovereignty over the west coast of Australia, but they never made an attempt to colonize the land. Sweden’s King Gustav III attempted to establish a colony for his country at the Swan River in 1786, but was not successful.

In 1779, Joseph Banks, a naturalist on Cook’s voyage suggested that Britain could solve their overcrowding problems in British prisons by transporting convicts to New South Wales. In 1787, the First Fleet of British ships left England and arrived in Botany Bay in January of 1788 under the command of Captain Arthur Philip. He became the colony’s first governor. The Fleet was made up of 11 ships, 750 male and female convicts, four companies of marines, and supplies for two years. Eventually free settlers were attracted to Australia and moved to the continent over the next several decades.

The discovery of gold in the 1850s changed the colony dramatically. A huge influx of about 95,000 immigrants and fortune hunters arrived from all over the world. Several large finds of gold boosted the economy, changing the colonial structure forever. Many new roads were built during this time. Immigrants became sheep farmers or miners. Aborigines were ruthlessly pushed off their tribal lands as new settlers took the land for farming or mining.

Australia became a Commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. They took advantage of Australia’s natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries. Australia had major contributions to the British effort in the First and Second World Wars. After World War II, there was another flood of European immigrants to Australia. Many were non-British and influenced the country greatly.

Today, Australia is made up of six states and two territories. As a Commonwealth of Britain, they have Constitutional Monarchy, with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at the top. They have their own parliamentary government to make decisions. Australia is one of the most urbanized countries in the world. About 80% of the population lives along the coastline, mainly in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The most spoken language is English, although Aborigines speak dozens of native languages. Christianity is the most commonly practiced religion in Australia. January 26th is known as Australia Day, celebrating the landing of the First Fleet in Australia. They are world leader with a thriving economy.

Name___________________________________________________________________

The Age of ImperialismArea:

Africa

Imperialistic Countries: Reason 1 for Imperialism:

Rebellions against Imperialism: Year of Independence:

After World War II, mainly in the 1960s

Reason 2 for Imperialism:

Area:

India


Rebellions against Imperialism: Year of Independence: Reason 2 for Imperialism:

Profits

Area:

China

Imperialistic Countries:

Spheres of Influence, mainly European nations



Never lost control fully, Communists took over


Name___________________________________________________________________


IndonesiaImperialistic Countries: Reason 1 for Imperialism:


Area:

Malayan Peninsula


Rebellions against Imperialism:

Nationalist movements

Year of Independence: Reason 2 for Imperialism:

Area:

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia AKA Indochina)



Independence after World War II; conflict over Vietnam

Name___________________________________________________________________


Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam



“White Man’s Burden-” conversion to Christianity

Area:

AustraliaImperialistic Countries: Reason 1 for Imperialism:


Remains a commonwealth of Great Britain


Name___________________________________________________________________

The Age of ImperialismName the importance of each of the following in regards to Imperialism:

1. Berlin Conference

2. Africa

3. British East India Company

4. Sepoy Mutiny

5. Missionaries

6. Mohandas Gandhi

7. Opium

8. Hong Kong

9. Spheres of Influence

10. Taiping Rebellion

Name___________________________________________________________________

The Age of ImperialismName the importance of each of the following in regards to Imperialism:

11. Boxer Rebellion

12. Dutch East India Company

13. Culture System

14. Burma

15. Malaysia

16. French Indochina

17. Philippines

18. Puerto Rico and Guam

19. Penal Colony

20. Aborigines

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