European Diplomacy and the Second Industrial Revolution

Otto von Bismarck and European Diplomacy (1871-1890)

Otto von Bismarck: After the unification of Germany, Bismarck organized the international relations of Europe aimed at isolating France. He unfolded a system of alliances based on secret diplomacy (Germany and Austria-Hungary) and its eventual failure.

The Second Industrial Revolution (1870)

The Second Industrial Revolution was a new industrial transformation involving technical and organizational changes in work.

Fordism and Scientific Management

• Fordism: Henry Ford (car manufacturer) introduced series production in huge factories. All phases of a product's elaboration were integrated, and workers specialized in specific tasks.
• Scientific Management: Frederick Taylor studied how to save time at work by removing useless movements. Conveyor belts were used to move products to the workers.
• Trust: The fusion of several companies of the same type into one.

Causes and Expansion of Imperialism

Key Causes of Imperialism

• Political and strategic: Seeking the greatness and power of countries.
• Demographic: New territories provided space to avoid population excess.
• Economic: Increased production created a need to seek raw materials.
• Ideological: Belief in the superiority of the white race and a civilizing mission to the world.

Commercial Concessions and Global Expansion

Concessions: Commercial advantages obtained in independent countries. These countries were divided into areas of influence, such as trade with China.

The Partition of Africa and Asia

In 1870, Africa was a continent almost unknown to Europeans, who only occupied coastal enclaves. Major colonial powers aspired to create continuous empires, leading to collisions. To avoid confrontations, the colonizing powers met at the Berlin Conference (1884-85). The conference stipulated that the possession of a coastal strip gave rights to the interior.

In Asia, organized states existed where concessions and systems of sharing areas were frequent (UK, France, and the Netherlands).

Consequences of Colonialism

Impact on Indigenous Societies

• Political field: Local governments were eliminated or placed under foreign control.
• Demographic: Mortality rates decreased thanks to medical advancements and hygienic programs.
• Economic: Indigenous people were forced to work for foreign benefit and were stripped of their lands.
• Social: A new society emerged, marked by foreign presence and indignity.
• Cultural: Indigenous people were displaced by foreign cultures.

Impact on the Metropolis

Superiority became a critical world issue, leading to international economic and political confrontations.