Chapter 25: New Imperialism

1. The later 19th and start of the 20th century saw the explosion of many European nations spreading their countries' boundaries throughout the world; hardly any part of the world was left untouched by European influence. These imperialistic ideals were enforced strongest in China and Africa. The land in these two countries was so prized to the European nations attempting to spread their financial influence throughout the world that they even went as far as making pacts as how to divide up these chunks of land.

During the time of imperialism, the Great Migration took place. The Great Migration spread many people throughout the world essentially spreading the culture throughout the world as well. This when the United States gained the large portion of immigrants that they are extremely well-known for.

Chapter Objective: Explain the causes of imperialism and understand the reactions of the countries affected by this movement.

EQ: What were the main causes of the new imperialism and why?

This new imperialism was caused by the need to extend a country's financial boundaries, the belief that it was the white man's duty, or their "burden", to help the "uncivilized" and lesser beings of other countries to better their lives and the belief that God wished for one's country's expansion. These three causes, commonly summarized as, "Christianity, Civilization and Commerce", are considered the main causes behind the imperialism of the late 19th/ early 20th century.

2.

 This cartoon shows an octopus-like creature grabbing any country that it can get its hands on. This is extremely similar to Britain and the actions it took during the 19th and 20th century when spreading its boundaries. The artist seems to disapprove of the actions Britain took. I get the feeling the the cartoon has this "Britain is getting its grubby little paws on everything" feel. The countries closer to the head of Britain, which look to be the Netherlands and Ireland, look almost like they are being sunk by Britain as well. I don't agree or disagree with what Britain did. I agree with them spreading their boundaries to be stronger, for the term survival of the fittest could always apply to countries as it can people; the stronger and bigger a country is, the longer it will survive. Yet, I disagree with the methods that Britain took over countries. There is always a more peaceful approach to things, and England never even gave that a thought.

 This image is showing the "mad scramble for Africa" by many European countries. All of the significant powers of Europe are pulling on the tarp that is Africa to try and get it for themselves. The characters are pulling at the parts of Africa that their respective countries actually controlled during the push for Africa. At the southern tip of the country, the Boers and British are fighting for control of the area that they both want. David Bainbridge, the artist of the cartoon, has given it a negative connotation. The leaders and significant players of each country are acting greedy by yanking on the edges of the country that they want for themselves. It almost looks like they are going to tear apart the country if they do not let up on their actions. Bainbridge has a point with this image. These European countries did essentially "tear apart" the country. There was fighting from the natives because they did not was these foreigners invading their home. The push for the country did not need to be so forceful and rough, but with the was history works that would never be the case.

3.

This is pretty self-explanatory is its meaning. The image to the left is showing the United States flag wrapping itself around the world as if it were about to control it like it were its own. One could also say it was blanketing the world in some sort of protection; that would be dependent on a person's perspective on whether the United States' is imperialistic or not. If I were to guess, I would say the artist was inferring the United States was a monster plaguing the world. The red stripes look almost like tentacles wrapping around Earth. I would have to agree with the author; only to a certain extent. I do not agree with all the actions taken by our country to get involved into the politics of nearly all the countries in need, but again, sometimes aid IS needed.

4. Do you think the United States is/has been imperialistic? Give three reasons pro and three reasons con.

Pros

• This imperialistic mindset made
  the United States a powerful country
  very quickly
• Matthew Perry and his method
  of gunboat diplomacy forced
  Japan to open up their country
  to foreign trade
• The boundaries of the United
  States expanded to larger spaces
  within the world and in the manner
  so did their influence

Cons

• Taking control of such a good portion
  of the world has left the United States
  in a significant amount of debt
• The ways that the United States gained
  support to expand was
  wrong when looked back on now
• Not every other country believes the United
  States influence is for the best interest of
  everyone

5. 

During this period in time, the United States decided to involve itself it the building of the Panama Canal. But, when this treaty was signed by the United States and Panama it was an ambassador of France to Panama which caused some problem for the U.S. These were not the only problems for the Americans when building the canal though. When the workers were working on the canal itself, many died from yellow fever and malaria. This American investment in Panama is very similar to European investments in other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries.

On a more social note, the first movie ever created in the United States - Fred Ott's Sneeze, was created in 1889. The entire motion picture is shown at the left. The film only lasted 5 seconds and was produced by Thomas Edison and his company. Just a year before that, another film entitled Roundhay Garden Scene was filmed in England. This film lasted but 2.11 seconds. It's apparent that this scene influenced the recording of Mr. Ott's sneeze, which started off the worldwide phenomena that is modern-day cinema.

6.

Great Rebellion/Sepoy Mutiny

Textbook Definition: The 1857 & 1858 insurrection by Muslim and Hindu mercenaries in the British army that spread throughout northern & central India before finally being crushed (May 10th, 1857).

• Was called a mutiny by the British
• The main cause of the mutiny was because of new cartridges  used by British guns
• Covered in animal fat which one would have to bite off in order to fire their guns
• This went against their religion
•  Their uprising was quelled fairly quickly, before they could get anywhere significant with it
• Last attempt at India independence until actual Indian independence

 

7. 

Egyptian Revolution (January 25th, 2011)

TIMELINE OF KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Tuesday, 1/25: First Day Of Demonstrations
Wednesday, 1/26: Protests Resume For Second Day
Thursday, 1/27: Egypt Shuts Down The Internet
Friday, 1/28: Mubarak Speaks, Says He'll Form A New Government
Saturday, 1/29: Anonymous Internet Users Help Egypt Communicate
Sunday, 1/30: Hillary Clinton: Egypt Must Transition To Democracy
Monday, 1/31: Egypt's New Government Is Announced, Sworn In
Tuesday, 2/1: President Mubarak Says He Won't Run For Re-Election
Wednesday, 2/2: Internet Service Returns In Egypt
Thursday, 2/3: Foreign Journalists Rounded Up
Friday, 2/4: "Day of Departure" Protests Held Across Egypt
Saturday, 2/5: Members Of Ruling Party Leadership Resign
Sunday, 2/6: Government Agrees On Concessions
Monday, 2/7: Google Executive Released In Egypt
Tuesday, 2/8: Freed Activist Energizes Protests
Wednesday, 2/9: Widespread Labor Strikes Throughout Egypt
Thursday, 2/10: Despite Rumors, Mubarak Refuses To Step Down
Friday, 2/11: Mubarak Resigns As President; Leaves Cairo

Key Players of the Revolution:

President Hosni Mubarak

 V.P. Omar Suleiman

 

Mohamad El Baradei

 

How & Why?: Inspired by the success in Tunisia, Egyptians took the street against uncontrollable unemployment, poverty, and corruption fueled by autocratic rule. After weeks of forceful protests, the Egyptians finally got a change in rule. Considering whether the revolution was a success, one could say yes. It still seems like the country is in the rebuilding stage as the government is under control by a military republic.

8.

Spotlight On... The Suez Canal!

"The Highway to India"

 This artificial canal is extremely important in the movement of goods across the world by water. This body of water connects the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. By using the Suez Canal, ships save significant amounts of time traveling long distances around Earth. The canal is currently under the control of Egypt; more specifically owned and taken care of by the Suez Canal Authority. The Suez Canal serves the same purpose as the Panama Canal; it allows ships to pass through land without traveling much longer distances around continents. The one major difference between the Suez and Panama Canals is that the Suez Canal contains no locks and the Panama Canal does.

9.
 

     3. 

•  I learned that Africa was divided up into "pieces" between many different countries.
•  Imperialistic thoughts are still prominent in today's world; they're just shown in different ways.
•  The main reasons behind new imperialism were "Christianity, Civilization and Commerce".

     2.

• Japan did not really open up to the rest of the world until just recently in history.
• The amount of imperialist nations that there was during this period was astonishing. There was so many people fighting for limited land.

     1.

• The British were "given" Hong Kong after the First Opium War, but how did it get back into the control of the Chinese - if it ever did?