European Colonialism
Short Questions
1. What is colonialism?
Answer: Colonialism is when a developed nation occupies and rules a less developed, distant nation, using its resources and markets.
2. Name two countries that established colonies in Asia.
Answer: England and France.
3. What was the main economic goal of colonialism?
Answer: To transport raw materials from colonies to the colonizing country and sell finished products in the colonies.
4. What caused the Industrial Revolution to boost colonialism?
Answer: It increased production, creating a need for new markets and raw materials.
5. Who drafted the ‘Declaration of Independence’ in America?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson.
6. What was the ‘Boston Tea Party’?
Answer: In 1773, American colonists dumped British tea into the sea to protest British taxes.
7. Which European country colonized Brazil?
Answer: Portugal.
8. Why did the British want to control Myanmar?
Answer: For its natural resources and potential market.
9. What was the ‘Suez Canal’ built for?
Answer: To connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea for trade.
10. When did Egypt become independent?
Answer: In 1922.
Long Questions
1. What were the main characteristics of colonialism?
Answer: Colonialism involved a developed nation ruling a less developed one, taking raw materials to their country, and using colonies as markets for their products. It caused economic and psychological slavery, creating an inferiority complex among natives.
2. How did the Industrial Revolution contribute to the rise of colonialism?
Answer: The Industrial Revolution led to mass production, creating surplus goods that needed new markets. Colonies provided cheap raw materials and labor, and secure markets for European goods, encouraging colonial expansion.
3. Why did European nations compete to establish colonies?
Answer: European nations wanted economic, social, and political supremacy. They competed for new markets, raw materials, and strategic locations to gain wealth and power, driven by nationalism and industrial needs.
4. What were the consequences of colonialism in Asia and Africa?
Answer: Colonialism led to economic exploitation and poverty in Asia and Africa. It caused loss of independence but also introduced democratic ideas, education, and legal systems, sparking independence movements.
5. How did the British establish control over Myanmar?
Answer: The British fought three Anglo-Burmese wars, capturing key regions like Rangoon and Mandalay. They used military power and treaties to control Myanmar’s resources and markets, fully annexing it by 1885.
6. What was the significance of the American War of Independence?
Answer: The American War of Independence (1776-1783) led to 13 colonies gaining freedom from Britain. It introduced the idea of natural rights (life, liberty, happiness) and inspired global independence movements.
7. How did European nations exploit America during colonialism?
Answer: Europeans, like Spain and Portugal, seized native lands, enslaved locals and Africans, and mined gold and silver. They established colonies, controlled trade, and earned huge profits from farming and mining.
8. Why were Australia and New Zealand attractive to the British?
Answer: Australia and New Zealand had favorable climates for European settlers. The British established colonies for trade, settlement, and strategic control, creating democratic systems and restricting non-European immigration.
9. How did the British gain control over Egypt and the Suez Canal?
Answer: Britain bought shares in the Suez Canal Company when Egypt faced debt issues. They declared Egypt a protectorate, controlled the canal for trade, and later assumed control over Sudan.
10. What role did the Berlin Conference play in African colonialism?
Answer: The 1884 Berlin Conference allowed European nations to divide Africa among themselves. It recognized Belgian control over Congo and set rules for claiming African territories, leading to widespread colonization.
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