How did the motives and administration of colonies during this period of “new imperialism” differ from the previous time period?
To understand the differences between the motives and administration of colonies during the "new imperialism" period compared to the previous period, we need to look at the historical context of each period and examine their characteristics.
The previous period of colonialism, often referred to as "old imperialism," took place mainly between the 16th and 18th centuries. During this time, European powers, such as Spain, Portugal, Britain, and France, established colonies primarily in the Americas and parts of Asia and Africa. The primary motives for colonialism during this period were trade, exploration, and the spread of Christianity.
In contrast, the "new imperialism" period occurred mainly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during which industrialized European powers, such as Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, expanded their empires on a larger scale. The motives and administration of colonies during this period differed in several significant ways:
1. Economic Motives: Unlike the earlier period focused on trade, the primary motive during the new imperialism was the acquisition of raw materials, especially for the rapidly industrializing economies of Europe. They sought sources of cheap resources, such as rubber, minerals, and oil, to fuel their industries and expand their markets for manufactured goods.
2. Geographic Expansion: During old imperialism, the focus was primarily on colonizing the Americas. In the new imperialism period, European powers turned their attention to Africa and Asia, where they exploited the vast resources and potential labor force available. They engaged in aggressive territorial conquests, establishing direct control over larger areas and forming colonies rather than mere trading posts.
3. Justification and Ideology: Old imperialism was often justified using religious and cultural superiority, like the spreading of Christianity, while new imperialism was rationalized with the notion of "civilizing" the non-European world. This ideology, known as "the white man's burden," claimed that the European powers had a duty to bring progress, modernization, and development to the so-called "backward" regions.
4. Administrative Systems: During old imperialism, colonies were often administered through commercial companies or under the control of individuals. In the new imperialism, colonial administrations were typically conducted under the direct rule of their respective European governments. This led to a more centralized and bureaucratic form of governance, with the imposition of European legal systems, education, infrastructure development, and the creation of formal administrative structures.
5. Resistance and Nationalism: The new wave of imperialism faced increased resistance from local populations due to growing nationalist movements and a desire for self-determination. The colonized people in Africa and Asia actively resisted European domination, leading to numerous uprisings, protests, and independence movements that challenged the European powers' control.
In summary, the motives and administration of colonies during the "new imperialism" period differed from the previous period through a stronger economic focus, expansion into new regions, ideological justifications, centralized administrative systems, and increased resistance from colonized populations. Understanding these distinctions helps us analyze the historical trajectory of imperialism and its impact on the world.