European Colonialism
2.1 Colonialism: Meaning and Nature
- Definition: Colonialism is when a powerful country takes control of a less developed, distant country and rules over it. For example, England, France, Spain, and Portugal colonized parts of Asia and Africa.
- Characteristics:
- Raw materials were taken from colonies to the colonizing country.
- Colonies were used as markets to sell finished products.
- It led to political, economic, and psychological slavery.
- Created an inferiority complex among native people due to racial attitudes of colonizers.
- Example: India was a British colony, and the British Empire was so vast it was said, “The sun never sets on the British Empire.”
2.2 Colonialism
2.2.1 Causes of the Rise of Colonialism
Industrial Revolution:
- New machines increased production, creating surplus goods.
- European nations needed new markets to sell these goods.
Raw Material Needs:
- Colonies provided cheap raw materials to keep production costs low.
- This helped European nations compete in global markets.
Surplus Capital:
- The Industrial Revolution made European capitalists wealthy.
- They invested surplus money in colonies for secure profits.
Mineral Resources:
Asia and Africa had rich minerals like gold, diamonds, and coal, attracting European merchants.
Geographic Importance:
Strategic locations like Malta, Gibraltar, Aden, and Singapore were ideal for trade.
Cheap Labor:
Colonies provided cheap labor, later contributing to the slave trade.
Racial Superiority:
- Europeans believed it was their duty to “civilize” people in Asia and Africa.
- This led to conversions to Christianity, supporting colonial growth.
2.2.2 Consequences
Negative:
- Economic exploitation pushed colonies into poverty.
- Loss of independence for native people.
Positive:
- Introduced democratic ideas like liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Awareness of legal administration, judicial systems, and education.
- Sparked independence movements in colonies.
2.3 European Colonialism
2.3.1 America
Overview:
- Strong European nations dominated weaker ones by establishing colonies.
- Native inhabitants were displaced, enslaved, or massacred.
Spanish and Portuguese Colonies:
- Spain controlled Mexico, Peru, and South America’s coastline, focusing on gold and silver mining.
- Portugal colonized Brazil.
- Both used African slaves for farming sugarcane and tobacco.
British Colonies:
- Established in North America (e.g., Jamestown in 1607, later Virginia).
- Colonies stretched from New England to Carolina.
- Laws like the Stamp Act (1765) and Maritime Law restricted colonies, sparking resistance.
American Independence:
- Boston Tea Party (1773): Colonists protested British tea taxes by dumping tea into the sea.
- First Continental Congress (1774): Colonies united to boycott British goods.
- Declaration of Independence (1776): Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it declared 13 colonies free, emphasizing rights to life, liberty, and happiness.
- American Revolution: Battles like Saratoga (1777) led to victory, with French and Spanish support. America became independent in 1783.
Canada:
- Acquired by Britain via the Paris Treaty (1763).
- Given federal status with a bicameral parliament and a Governor-General.
2.3.2 Australia and New Zealand
Australia:
- First used as a British prisoner colony in the 18th century.
- Colonized further in the 19th century, including Tasmania.
- Became the Republic of Australia in 1900, with a bicameral parliament and a Governor-General.
- Only European immigrants were allowed.
New Zealand:
- Colonized by the British in the 19th century.
- Became an autonomous state in 1907, part of the British Empire.
- Introduced democratic systems and welfare measures like voting rights, public railways, and pensions.
- Restricted to European settlers.
2.3.3 Asia
British Objectives:
Protect Indian colonies and boost trade.
Myanmar (Burma):
- Rich in natural resources and a potential market.
- First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-26): British captured Rangoon, gained coastal regions, and appointed a Resident in Inwa.
- Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852): British, led by Lord Dalhousie, captured Rangoon, Pegu, and Prome.
- Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885): British conquered Mandalay, exiled King Thibaw to Ratnagiri, India.
- Myanmar gained independence in 1948, inspired by India’s freedom struggle.
Nepal:
- Two Anglo-Nepalese wars; British defeated Nepal in 1816, taking Terai, Kumaun, and Garhwal.
- Nepal’s sovereignty was recognized in 1923.
Sikkim:
- British gained Darjeeling in 1815 and more regions under Lord Dalhousie.
- Became a British protectorate in 1890, securing tea gardens.
- Merged with India in 1975 after a plebiscite.
Bhutan:
- British established trade routes via Bhutan in the 18th century.
- War in 1865 led to Bhutan surrendering territories.
- 1910 treaty allowed British guidance in external affairs.
- India took an advisory role in 1949.
Tibet:
- British reached Lhasa in Lord Curzon’s time to counter Russia and boost trade.
- 1907 treaty acknowledged China’s rule over Tibet.
2.3.4 Africa
Challenges:
Dense forests, lakes, swamps, and deserts made exploration difficult.
Belgian Congo:
Controlled by King Leopold II, renamed Congo Free State after the 1884 Berlin Conference.
British Colonies:
- Nigeria became a British colony via the National African Company.
- Controlled Cape Colony, Natal, Zanzibar, Pemba, and Nyasaland (Malawi).
- Built railways in Sudan and purchased Suez Canal shares, gaining influence over Egypt.
German Colonies:
Togoland (1883), Cameroon, and southwest Africa.
French Colonies:
- Senegal, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Dahomey, and regions from Sahara to French Guinea.
- Controlled Algeria (1830), Tunis, and Morocco.
Other Colonies:
- Italy took Tripoli and Cyrenaica.
- Spain controlled parts of Morocco and Guinea Coast islands.
- Portugal held Angola and Mozambique.
Berlin Conference (1884):
European nations divided African territories, acknowledging Belgian control over Congo.
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