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Effects of Imperialism on Europe

What impact did conquering and exploiting weaker nations have on Europe?

Power and Wealth

The Age of Imperialism (1800-1914) was a time frame in which Europe became the most powerful region in the world. By 1914, imperial powers controlled 70% of the land on earth. Countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands amassed land across continents. Great Britian was the most significant of the European imperial powers. Because of industrialization and imperialism Great Britain became the most powerful nation in the world. At no point in history has there been an empire as vast as the British Empire during the 19th and early 20th century. Great Britain's naval and merchant fleets were the envy of the world.

The Industrial Revolution made sure that Europe was stronger and more wealthy than the unindustrialized world. The Age of Imperialism widened the gap between the developed nations of Europe and all the underdeveloped regions, as imperial powers exploited the lands for their own economic and political gain.

Image from http://www.foudemonnaies.com/traduction.commonwealth.htm

Looking at this map of the British Empire in 1900 (red regions) can you explain the phrase: The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire?

Video showing the rise and eventual fall of the British Empire. Take note that from about 1750-1914 is the Age of Imperialism that we are analyzing in class.

Influence

Spread of European Culture

With imperialism European nations spread their influence across the globe. They brought European culture; language, religion, government and education systems to many different regions in the world. India is a good example of cultural diffusion. India, which was under British Rule for almost 200 years, is the largest democracy and second largest English speaking population in the world. In several African nations Christianity is the most practiced religion.

Years after the Age of Imperialism many of the conquered people fought for independence from the European imperial powers. They borrowed and used the European ideals of democracy and equal rights to justify the independence movements.

Diffusion of Different Cultures

European nations, without a doubt, had more influence on the regions they conquered. However, the Europeans did acquire some of the cultural ideas from the conquered regions. Some of the words in native languages permeated into the European languages. For example Hindi words such as bungalow, pajamas, and thug entered the English language (Martin, "Empire and Imperialism: Europe")

European diets evolved as foodstuffs from different conquered regions became more abudant in European meals. Europeans ingested more tropical fruits that could not be harvested in the northern climates of Europe.

European art, writing, and film were impacted by imperialism. African and Asian styles were more commonly seen in European artwork, specifically in the works of Pablo Picasso. European writing and film often focused on the adventures of colonization.

Political Cartoon showing the power of the British Empire. With that power Great Britain was able to acquire a cultural influence on much of the world.

competition (Rivalry)

Competition and Rivalry

Another major effect of imperialism was increased competition among European nations. In the late 19th century European nations rushed to conquer lands in Africa. Africa was the last frontier to be taken over by imperial powers during the Age of Imperialism. The swift takeover of Africa by European imperial powers became known as the "Scramble for Africa."

During the "Scramble for Africa" conflicts arose between European nations as they attempted to slice up the continent between each other. Eventually a meeting took place in Berlin, Germany to setup rules for the takeover of Africa. The meeting was called the Berlin Conference (1884-85). At the Berlin Conference the European imperial powers agreed to a set rules for colonizing Africa to avoid war between nations.

The Berlin Conference was a success. All-out war didn't take place in Africa, but young nations such as, Germany (1871) and Italy (1861) were still extremely aggressive in conquering lands. Germany, specifically, had imperial ambitions to rival Great Britain. Germany's imperialistic desires were based on nationalism and would eventually be a major factor in the cause of World War I.

Political Cartoon of the Berlin Conference

Compare the two maps. In a span of 30 years Africa was completely colonized by European imperial powers. (Scramble for Africa)