Imperialism - Europe Conquers the World

Imperialism - Europe Conquers the World

At the end of the 15th century European nations started to explore the world and founded colonies on faraway continents. The whole of Latin america was conquered by Spain and Portugal. In Africa, however, colonies were established on the coast only while the interior of the continent remained largely unexplored. This situation changes in the second half of the 19th century. Suddenly a race begins for areas as yet unoccupied by any European country. Various European nations are now scrambling to possess territories in the heart of Africa of fighting over power and influence in East Asia. Apart from the American continent, Europe eventually rules the whole world. Several countries try to build a global empire, which is why this historical development is known as imperialism.

The Situation in 1870

After 1815

Napoleons defeat at Waterloo was the end of French‘s supremacy. Europe now was ruled by Austria, Prussia, Russia, Great Britain and France - a small circle of Great Powers.

The Holy Alliance was formed with the aim to prevent another revolution; apart of Great Britain all major countries were monarchies. By this Holy Alliance they also hoped to avoid a war among themselves.

This system was successful, until an alliance of Great Britain and French stopped Russia expanding towards Turkey. This war showed that wars in Europe were really costly and that the rivalry between the major countries was still large.

The Foundation of the German Empire

1871 Germany defeated France under the leadership of Prussia and became the most Powerful German state.

A new power in Europe was born. Germany had a large population and a powerful economy. Because German couldn‘t be integrated easily, German‘s Chancellor Bismarck formed many treaties to protect his country. But nobody trusted Germany.

The rivalry between European nations increased because of the nationalist sentiments and the theory of social Darwinism. They had no war in Europe, the race on colonies faraway had started.

Motives

- strategic / military motives

demonstration of power

establish military bases

recruit soldiers

occupy areas to prevent from being occupied by other European nations

-> race for colonies

civilatory aspects

desire to spread a nations civilization + religion

nationalist / chauvinist / racist motives