What was the impact of New Imperialism in African and Asian colonies? Please give at least one example of each. How were these experiences different from traditional empires?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Imperialism
The impact of New Imperialism in African and Asian colonies was profound and led to significant changes in both regions. This period, which occurred primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, saw European powers exert their dominance over these territories for economic, political, and strategic reasons.
In Africa, the impact of New Imperialism was particularly devastating. European powers, such as Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany, sought to establish colonial control over vast territories and exploited their resources. This led to the exploitation of African labor, forced labor, and the extraction of raw materials. One example is the Belgian Congo, which was ruthlessly exploited for its rubber and other natural resources by the Belgian colonizers, resulting in widespread human rights abuses and depopulation.
In Asia, the impact of New Imperialism was more varied. European powers, such as Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal, exerted control over different parts of the continent. In India, the British Empire dominated the region and implemented policies that led to the economic exploitation of the Indian subcontinent. The British East India Company, for example, established a monopolistic control over trade and exploited the resources of India, which resulted in economic stagnation and widespread poverty.
These experiences of New Imperialism were different from traditional empires in several ways. Firstly, the aim of traditional empires was often to conquer and control territory without significant economic exploitation. New Imperialism, on the other hand, was driven by economic motives and the desire for resources and markets. Secondly, traditional empires tended to adopt a more hands-off approach, allowing local rulers to maintain some level of authority, while New Imperialism involved direct and aggressive control by European powers. Lastly, New Imperialism also brought with it the imposition of Western cultural, social, and political systems, which further disrupted and undermined traditional structures in the colonies.