The Second Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Imperialism

The Birth of the Modern World

Tense International Relations

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by tense international relations. Industrialized countries focused on large-scale production, fueled by colonization and a growing consumer society. This led to inequalities and economic crises, causing a decline in the influence of realism in international politics.

Political Tensions in Europe

While armed conflicts were avoided within Europe, there was a significant increase in the production of arms and military equipment. Germany's foreign policy under Bismarck focused on alliances with Austria, Russia, and Italy, leading to the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine. Wilhelm II's dismissal of Bismarck and subsequent expansionist policies further heightened tensions.

The Second Industrial Revolution

The Rise of Industrial Capitalism

The Second Industrial Revolution saw the replacement of finance capitalism with industrial capitalism. Key advancements included:

Energy

• Electricity: Bergès' hydroelectric generator (1867) and Edison's electric bulb (1879) revolutionized power generation.
• Oil: Refinement processes produced new fuels like kerosene and petrol. The first oil refinery was established in Cleveland, USA in 1889.

Technology

• Improved versions of the Bessemer Converter led to advancements in steel production, including stainless steel.
• New types of fibers were developed.

New Industries

• Electrical technology
• Food industries
• Chemical industries

Finance and Investment

• Loans from banks with interest became common.
• Direct investments from banks into industries increased.
• Selling shares to investors for profit gained popularity.

Consequences of Industrialization

• **Consumerism:** Increased production led to a surge in consumption.
• **Economic Instability:** Periods of economic crisis became more frequent.
• **Expansion of International Trade:** Global trade networks expanded significantly.
• **Use of the Assembly-Line System of Production:** Manufacturing processes became more efficient.
• **Shift in Economic Activity:** A transition from selling raw materials to buying manufactured goods occurred.

Society in the Industrial Age

Class Divisions

The upper and middle classes enjoyed wealth and consumed goods, while the working class faced poor living and working conditions. A consumer society emerged, driven by advertising and the availability of new luxury items.

Industrial Powerhouses

• **Germany:** Possessed powerful iron and steel industries, as well as burgeoning electrical and chemical industries.
• **United States:** Experienced rapid industrialization, fueled by an expanding workforce and westward expansion.
• **Japan:** Faced challenges due to a lack of established businessmen and investors to initiate new industries.
• **Great Britain:** Lost its position as the leading industrial power.
• **Spain:** (Further information needed)

The Age of Imperialism

The Scramble for Colonies

From the 19th to the 20th century, developed countries, including European nations, the United States, and Japan, engaged in imperialism, taking control of territories in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. These lands became colonies and formed vast colonial empires.

Causes of Imperialism

• **Finance Capitalism:** The need for new investment opportunities drove expansion.
• **Rapid Industrial Development:** Demand for raw materials and new markets fueled colonial acquisitions.
• **International Prestige:** Colonies became symbols of power and influence.
• **Emigration:** Colonies offered attractive destinations for European emigrants seeking better living standards.

Consequences of Imperialism

• **Oppression of Native Populations:** Indigenous people were often relegated to second-class status, and racial segregation was common.
• **International Rivalry:** Competition for colonies fueled tensions between imperial powers, contributing to the outbreak of World War I.
• **Global Economic Imbalance:** Imperialism created an imbalanced world economy, with wealth concentrated in industrialized nations.

Key Terms

• **Assembly-line:** A system of production using a moving belt, in which each worker repetitively completes one part of the production process.
• **Social segregation:** A system of separating people defined as belonging to different racial groups.
• **Trench warfare:** A type of fighting in which there is little movement on either side.
• **Means of production:** All the productive resources of a society.