How IMPERIAL States EXPANDED, 1750-1900 [AP World History Review—Unit 6 Topic 2]

Second Wave of Imperialism: Methods of Expansion

Introduction to the Second Wave of Imperialism

• The speaker introduces the topic, emphasizing the need to compare different methods of imperial expansion during the second wave of imperialism (1750-1900).

• A shift in geographical focus is noted; while earlier European expansion targeted the Americas and parts of Asia, this period sees a stronger emphasis on Africa and Southeast Asia.

• The decline of Spain and Portugal's colonial power is highlighted, with new players like Germany, Italy, Belgium, the United States, and Japan emerging in imperial pursuits.

Methods of State Expansion

State Takeovers of Private Colonies

• One method discussed is state takeovers of private colonies. An example provided is King Leopold II's control over the Congo Free State.

• Leopold presented himself as a humanitarian aiming to educate and convert indigenous people but ultimately exploited them for resources like rubber.

• Public outrage over exploitation led to Belgian government control over the Congo in 1908. Similar examples include Dutch control over Indonesia and British control over India.

Diplomacy as a Method for Expansion

• The second method involves diplomacy and warfare; specifically focusing on how states expanded their power through diplomatic means in Africa.

• Diplomacy is defined as making political agreements through dialogue rather than warfare. The Berlin Conference (1884-1885) serves as a key example.

• The Berlin Conference was convened due to fierce competition among European powers for African territory, leading to what became known as the Scramble for Africa.

Consequences of Diplomatic Decisions

• The conference resulted in almost all African territories being divided among European powers without any African leaders present, causing future ethnic conflicts due to arbitrary borders drawn by Europeans.

Warfare as a Method for Expansion

French Colonial Expansion in Algeria

• Some states resorted to warfare for territorial expansion; an example given is France's military actions in Algeria during the early 19th century.

Expansion of State Power in the 19th Century

French Colonial Expansion

• France was deeply indebted to Algeria, which supplied much of its wheat. Tensions escalated when a French diplomat was struck by the Algerian ruler, leading to France sending 35,000 troops to invade Algeria.

• The invasion marked the beginning of a violent campaign for territorial expansion in North Africa, despite significant resistance from Muslim rulers throughout the 19th century.

Establishment of Settler Colonies

• Settler colonies involved imperial powers claiming inhabited territories and sending their own citizens to establish new societies. This method was prevalent in previous periods, such as with British colonies in North America.

• In this period, Britain established settler colonies in Australia and New Zealand, resulting in significant population displacement and disease outbreaks that devastated indigenous populations like the Aborigines and Māori.

Conquest of Neighboring Territories

• The practice of conquering neighboring territories became prominent among several states during this time. The United States exemplified this through its westward expansion driven by Manifest Destiny.

• Manifest Destiny was viewed as a divine calling for Americans to occupy land from coast to coast, often at the expense of indigenous peoples who were forcibly relocated onto reservations.

Russia's Territorial Ambitions

• Following its defeat in the Crimean War, Russia adopted Panslavism—a doctrine aimed at uniting all Slavic peoples under Russian control—leading to aggressive territorial campaigns.

• By the mid-1860s, Russia expanded into Central Asia and established trading posts on the Pacific coast as part of its imperial ambitions.

Japan's Emergence as an Imperial Power

• Japan distinguished itself as a non-Western power joining imperialism due to rapid industrialization during the Meiji Restoration.