Global Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa (1870–1914)

The Era of Global Imperialism (1870–1914)

Imperialism refers to the territorial expansion of industrial countries—specifically the United States, Europe, and Japan—across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Ocean between 1870 and 1914.

Key Characteristics

• Rapid Expansion: The process was extremely fast, with industrial nations conquering 66% of the world in just 20 years.
• Global Participation: Twelve colonial empires were formed, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the USA, Russia, Great Britain, and Denmark.

Causes of Imperial Expansion

• Capital Investment: Great European capitalists sought to invest in new territories. This explains Britain's presence in India, though not all other regions.
• Market Acquisition: Empires were created to find new markets where Western capitalism could sell products and purchase raw materials and food. This explains the focus on India and China.
• Prestige and Strategy: Some countries formed empires to gain prestige or prevent rivals from conquering territory, such as Britain in Egypt. This explains imperialism in Africa rather than Asia.
• Cultural Ideology: European culture was considered more advanced, leading to a desire to spread it globally. Many countries sent explorers to conquer lands in Africa.
• Demographic Relief: Colonies attracted emigrants from a Europe in crisis; for example, the United States and Algeria.

The Berlin Conference and the Scramble for Africa

In 1884, European colonies in Africa were primarily located on the coast due to the importance of ports and the slave trade. However, King Leopold II decided to conquer the Congo River region to establish an empire. As Europeans began establishing themselves in Africa through violent means, Otto von Bismarck convened a meeting in Berlin to reach an agreement on the conquest of Africa. Ultimately, the presence of these countries in Africa was accepted, provided they established their own formal empires.

Diplomatic Shifts: Realpolitik and Weltpolitik

Realpolitik

Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm I established a dictatorship and formed alliances with Britain, Russia, Austria, and Italy. Because Germany was surrounded by potential enemies, they aimed to isolate France to prevent an attack.

Weltpolitik

Wilhelm II wanted to control all of Europe and create a global empire. He broke the existing agreements with Britain and Russia, which ended France's isolation. France then formed alliances with Russia, Britain, and Italy. The resulting crisis between Germany and France eventually led to the First World War.