The Era of Imperialism: Global Expansion and Consequences

The Era of Imperialism: Global Expansion

Since 1870, major world powers began a new colonial expansion known as imperialism. Colonialism was based on the conquest and economic exploitation of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Causes of Imperialism

• Policies and Strategies: The possession of colonies became a yardstick to measure the greatness and power of nations.
• Demographic: Colonies provided an outlet for surplus national populations.
• Economic: Increased production during the Second Industrial Revolution created a need for raw materials and new markets.
• Ideological: Powers applied the laws of Darwin to justify the perceived superiority of the white race.

Forms of Colonial Domination

• Concessions: Commercial advantages obtained from independent countries like China.
• Protectorates: Local governments were maintained to protect against other powers, while the colonizer controlled foreign policy.
• Colonies: Territories under the direct sovereignty of the colonial power, categorized as positions, settlements, or farms.

Expansion of Empires

The expansion included the Scramble for Africa, as well as significant territorial gains in Asia and Oceania.

Consequences of Colonialism

Impact on Indigenous Societies

• Political: Local governments were dismantled or subjected to foreign control.
• Demographic: Mortality rates fell due to improvements in medicine and hygiene.
• Economic: Indigenous populations were forced to work for the benefit of the colonizers.
• Social: Societies were marked by sharp contrasts between the local population and the foreign minority.
• Cultural: Indigenous languages, beliefs, and cultures were displaced by foreign influences.

Consequences for the Metropolis

For the colonizing nations, colonialism brought global superiority, political power, wealth, accelerated industrialization, and increased knowledge of other civilizations.

The Second Industrial Revolution

Processing Techniques and Work Organization

• Advancements in manufacturing techniques.
• Significant changes in the organization of labor.

Progress in Economic Activity

• Agricultural Improvements: Enhanced productivity and efficiency.
• Transport and Communications: Development of infrastructure, new means of transport, and advanced communication networks.
• Trade: The extension of both internal and international markets.
• Large-Scale Capitalism: The rise of corporate, financial, and banking concentration.