THE WEST AND THE WORLD – IMPERIALISM1850-1910Eastview High School – AP European History

McKay, et al., 8th edition – Chapter 26 Section 1

Essential Questions

How and why did this many-sided, epoch-making expansion occur in the 19th century?

Why does such an enormous gap develop between Great Britain/developed countries and the ‘Third World countries by 1970?

The Rise of Global Inequality

Examine the graph on page 856 of your text.

What are the causes of this enormous gap between developed and ‘third world’ countries by 1970?

A. Industrial Revolution caused a growing gap between Europe/North America and the non-industrializing areas of Africa, Asia, and Latin America

1. 1750 standard of living in Europe was equal to the rest of the world. By 1970 it was 25 x that of the poor countries.

2. The gap was produced by industrialization. 3rd world didn’t make gains until after 1945.

Theories re: Global Inequality

Jared Diamond has postulated an interesting theory revolving around the European development of Guns, Germs, and Steel. His best-selling book explains his research.

A. West gains because of use of science and technology.

B. West uses it’s economic and political power to steal riches.

C. Most agree that both theories are applicable in varying degrees depending on the country and situation.

World Colonial Holdings Prior to World War I

Notice the vast expanse of the British Empire which included Canada, India, Australia, and a north-south route through Africa.

GB is the most powerful country in the world by 1914.

The World Market

Railroad, steamship, refrigeration, other technological advancements revolutionize trade patterns.

A. World trade expanding meant economy was interlocked centered in and directed by Europe.

B. Great Britain used trade to link world.

1. Its empire was a market for manufactured goods.

2. Prohibited colonies from raising protective tariffs so it was tough to develop own industries.

3. Britain wanted to eliminate all tariffs on traded goods. This free-trade stimulated world trade.

Suez and Panama Canals

Railroad, steamship, refrigeration, other technological advancements revolutionize trade patterns.

Suez and Panama canals, modern port facilities foster intercontinental trade.

Suez Canal

Panama Canal

Investing Capital

Where did the largest share of European foreign investment go to specifically?

A. 1840, Europeans invested capital abroad and in other European countries

1. Most exported capital went to US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. Went for infrastructure (ports, RR)

2. Investment enabled more land to be settled by Europeans, pushing the native peoples out.

The Opening of China

A. European trade with China increased, but needed to use force.

1. China was self-sufficient, never interested in European goods. Qing dynasty regulated trade

2. British/Chinese clash over opium and opening of Chinese ports.

3. Opium War 1839-1842 led to British taking Hong Kong and opening of 4 cities. (Treaty of Nanking)

The Opening of Japan

A. Japan also unwilling to trade/diplomatic relations with West

1. Maintain isolation

2. Persecution of Christians and attack on foreign vessels led Americans to believe they blocked their destined role in the Pacific.

3. American fleet under Perry “opened” Japan in 1853 with threats of naval bombardment.

Western Advances in Egypt

A. Muhammad Ali built modern state in Turkish-held Egypt, attracted European traders.

1. Drafted peasants, reformed government, improved communications

2. Peasants lost out because land converted from self-sufficient farms to large private landholdings to grow cash crops for export.

Financial Problems in Egypt

A. Khedive Ismail continued modernization, including Suez canal, but put country deep into debt.

B. To prevent Egypt from going bankrupt, Britain and France intervene politically.

C. Foreign financial control provokes a violent nationalistic reaction in Egypt, leads to British occupation of country until 1956.

Questions for your review

1. The gaps in average wealth and well-being among countries and regions is the result of ?

2. What factors facilitated the growth of world trade after 1840?

3. Where did the largest share of European foreign investment go to specifically ?

4. Why did Japan open its shores to western trade?

5. The influx of asian immigrants into Australia and N. America was blocked at the turn of the century by ?

6. British intervention in Egypt that began in 1867 and culminated with a military takeover in 1882 was a dramatic break with earlier 19th century European expansion because ?

7. What does Ahmed Arabi represent to western imperialism?