Lesson #10 - Consequence of the Age of Imperialism

Adverse Impact of Colonization

Imperialism negatively impacted those under colonial rule. Colonization led to a loss of independence and culture for those under colonial rule. Imperialism brought confrontation between cultures. Many colonies were forced to assimilate (adopt the culture of the imperialist country who controlled them). Imperialism resulted in the exploitation and abuse for the native population. Disease and starvation, harsh working and living conditions, and war resulted in large scale death and genocide.

Imperialism resulted in more political problems in colonized territories. Imperialists formed colonies and created borders in conquered territory without taking into account existing ethnic and political groups in the area. Rival ethnic and political groups were united and controlled by foreign rulers. In some regions, warring ethnic and political groups, such as Nigeria and Rwanda, were joined together under the same government. The colony of Nigeria was made up of over 250 different ethnic and political groups.

Some improvements were made in colonies; cities began to grow, Improvements in sanitation and health increased life expectancy in some territories, and advancements in transportation and communication united colonies with the rest of the world. However, the living standards in most colonies remained poor; the natural resources and benefits of labor production from the colonies were funneled to the imperialist country, rather than to those under colonial rule. Imported goods also wiped out local craft industries in colonized territory.

Impending War in Europe

Tension and rivalry between European countries became worse, particularly between Britain, France, and Germany. Britain, France, and Germany competed for colonies and power during the Age of Imperialism, nearly resulting in war several times. The Fashoda Incident was a war scare between France and Britain over territory in Sudan. In the end, France conceded control of the region to Britain, and gaining a friend (Britain) against rival Germany. The Moroccan Crisis was a war scare between France and Germany over Morocco’s independence nearly erupted into war. Britain supported France, strengthening their friendship with France, but worsening their relationship Germany.

Militarism

The Age of Imperialism also resulted in militarism for industrialized countries. European countries began using their industrial strength to improve their military. This led to more advanced weapons and an increase in weapon production. Several European countries began to draft soldiers and possessed large standing militaries in case of war.

Alliances

Tension between Germany and Russia, as well as Germany and France pushed these countries to form alliances to protect themselves from rival nations. These alliances were intended to deter (discourage) war between European nations.

In 1879, Germany and Austria-Hungary formed the Dual Alliance to protect themselves from Russia.

In 1881, Austria-Hungary makes an alliance with Serbia to prevent Russia gaining control of Serbia.

In 1882, Germany and Austria-Hungary join with Italy to become the Triple Alliance to stop Italy taking sides with Russia.

In 1884, Russia allied with France forming the Franco-Russian Alliance to protect itself from Austria-Hungary and Germany.

In 1904, Britain and France reach a series of agreements, known as Entente Cordiale, to improve relations between Britain and France.

In 1907, Britain and Russia reached a series of agreements, known as the Anglo-Russian Entente, ending their differences and improving relations between Britain and Russia.

In 1907, Britain, France, and Russia join together against a common enemy (Germany) and form the Triple Entente.

By the time World War I breaks out in 1914, you have two major rival alliances. The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia).