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1400
Mercantilism
Following a policy of mercantilism, which is an economic belief that there is only a limited amount of wealth in the world. European nations aimed to increase their share of that wealth thus encouraging imperialism. European governments established firm control over all aspects of trade with the aim of limiting the cost of imports and increasing the value of exports. Gaining overseas possessions would provide a cheap raw materials (e,g spices/silk), labour and a lucrative market. -
1500
Slave Trade
From as early as the 16th century, ships would sail from European ports to the coast of Africa and there the Europeans would acquire slaves by bartering with local chieftains or capturing local people. They were then shipped across the Atlantic and sold to plantation owners in US/ Carribean to work as slaves harvesting cotton, tobacco or sugar. The ships would then return to Europe ferrying these commodities. Many European businesses were able to gain a lot of wealth by exploiting slaves. -
Decline in the belief of Mercantilism
Belief in mercantilism began to decline during the 18th century and new economic theories came about. Some suggested that the wealth of a nation should not be judged by the amount of gold and silver it possessed but by its ability to produce goods and services. -
A shift from Gov Sponsored Economic Expansion/ Adam Smiths New Economic TheoryBook
In Adam Smiths his book 'an inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations he argued that imperialism was not profitable. Written when Br was about to undergo an industrial revolution, he argued a nation's ability to increase its prod of goods and services depending on investment in new methods and Gov control was undesirable. Ppl would invest more if they could reap financial benefits without gov interference thus the incentive for gov sponsored imperial expansion declined. -
Decline in European Empires
Maintaining control over overseas possessions and protecting vital trade routes from rival nations was expensive and often led to wars. Br fought expensive wars in an attempt to maintain control over its possessions in North America. While Br was able to retain Canada, it had to accept the independence of the U.S.A. The Spanish empire in Latin America was collapsing and Brazil declared full independence from Portugal in 1827 little remained of the Latin American empires of Spain and Portugal. -
Factors Enabling New Imperialism- Medical Advancement
In the late 18th century, Africa was known as the 'white man's grave' because of the dangers of diseases like malaria. The medicine quinine discovered by Fr scientists in 1817 proved to be an effective treatment for malaria/ As fears of contracting and dying of disease faded, the African interior and the jungles of Asia became more accessible -
Opposition to Slavery
Although by 1920 most European gov had banned slave trade arguing that slavery was repugnant to the principles of natural justice (P.E Love Joy) It was known that slavery remained common in Africa and that many African chieftains continued to barter in human beings. Many Europeans believed that they had a moral duty to put an end to this practice. -
Economic Motives for Expansion- Industrialisation (Intro/Br)
The industrial revol was based on mechanisation meaning that the mass prod of goods would require new sources of raw materials and markets to create and sell the goods. Entrepreneurs who made profits from industrialisation sought new places to invest their wealth. Steam-powered machinery increased Br textile prod and railways/steamships made transport more efficient. Br the 1st to industrialise was now 'the workshop of the world' able to prod goods quicker and cheaper than any other country. -
Britain in South Africa , Boer Wars Background
Originally a Dutch colony, Br took control of the Cape colony at the end of the Napoleonic wars (1814). Br immigration began in 1820 then English became the official administrative language and a new tax system was imposed. This created tensions with the Boers which increased after the abolition of slavery in 1834. The farmers depended on slave labour and although the Br paid compensation it was seen as inadequate. Consequently, many Boers left and moved East in the 'Great Trek' between 1835-40. -
Foreign Involvement in China/ Taiping Rebellion
With restrictions lifted, foreign diplomats, traders and missionaries poured into China with many cities being internationalized. Br, Fr, Russ, Ger and Jap all established spheres of influence where they built railways and factories ignoring Chinese laws and taking political control. The Chinese govs weakness was further exposed with the Taiping Rebellion (1850-64) where as many as 20mm people died but the rebellion was only put down with he help if Br/Fr forces -
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Economic Motives for Expansion- Industrialisation (USA,GER,FR)
As the industrial revol spread, Br began facing competition. By 1850 economies of Ger states improved due to railway and a customs union (Zollverein) which enabled trade. Though slower to industrialise than Ger, Fr made effort to extend international trade establishing a trade port in Senegal as well as colonising Algeria, increasing its commercial interests. Between 1850-1870 Fr developed a powerful navy second only to Br with naval bases in Seychelles, Cambodia/ Vietnam to protect Fr trade. -
Factors Enabling imperialism- Technological Advancement (Mass Production of Steel/Iron)
The industrial revol led to the intro of new methods of cheap and quick steel and iron prod. Henry Bessemer's system (1856) for the mass prod of steel facilitated the development of railways and steamships. This made transport quicker and safer. Iron hulled steam-driven ships which unlike sailing ships did not need deep hulls for stability and were not wind powered. This allowed for the navigation of rivers like Congo, Zambezi and Niger offering easier access to the African interior. -
Charles Darwins Theory of Racial Superiority
Scientists like Johann Blumenbach and Joseph Comte developed theories regarding the classification of races. Charles Darwin's book 'on the origins of species' was widely, if mistakenly interpreted as providing further scientific justification for such theories. It appeared to imply that certain races were inferior being less evolved and thus less human than others. These views presented through poor science intentionally/unintentionally motivated political and ideological factors in Europe/USA. -
British Involvement in China
Br quickly established itself as China's largest foreign trading partner, purchasing tea, silk and porcelain. Late 18th century saw Br import opium into China and the Chinese gov banned its importation. But the ban was hard to enforce and largely ignored. Defeated in the 1st Opium war (1839-42) China gave Br Hong Kong and preferential trading status the 2nd Opium war (1856). In the treaty of Tientsin (1860)China legalised the importation of opium and opened its ports to foreign traders. -
Political Motives for Expansion- Strategic Control of Key Regions (Suez Canal)
Before 1869 trading with India and the Far East was lengthy and hazardous. To supply and protect ships on this vital trade route, Br had established a port in Cape Colony in S.Africa. BetWeen 1859 and 1869 the Suez canal company largely financed by Br and Fr entrepreneurs constructed a canal linking the Mediterranean sea And the Red sea across Egyptian territory. This allowed European ships to travel to and from India and the Far East quicker and cheaper. -
Imperialism in Africa by 1870 (Old imperialism )
In 1870, only 10% of Africa was under direct European control, mostly coastal regions. Europeans knew little about the African interior. Due to medical advancements and tech, Europeans were able to venture further into Africa. Missionaries like David Livingstone aimed to spread Christianity. Some were financed by entrepreneurs to look for lucrative opportunities. Henry Morton Stanley, an explorer hired by King Leopold of Belgium secured treaties with local chieftains along River Congo. -
Political Motives for Expansion- Limitations of Expansion in Europe*
By 1871 the political map of Europe had been settled and new nation-states were declared in Ger and it. Only war could change these borders and war was something nations were keen to avoid. Although Russia and Austria continued to eye possibilities in the Balkans following uprisings against the Ottoman Empire, there was little possibility for expansion in Europe. Countries needed to look overseas to enhance their industrialisation and increase their wealth, power, prestige and influence. -
Political Motives for Expansion-Imperialism as a Social Policy
The emergence of a large working-class due to industrialisation threatened the power of landowners, businessmen and entrepreneurs (benefitted from imperialism) as they demanded social/political and economic reform. Fr/Br Prime Minister Jules Ferry and Joseph Chamberlain viewed imperialism as a way to divert the people's attention. They used imperialism as a way of uniting people behind a common aim of the economic and political development of their country through overseas expansion. -
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The Nature of New Imperialism- Geographic Scope
Old imperialism = the 'new world' (N and S. America). New imperialism = Africa and Asia. Explorers discovered large amounts of valuable minerals and other raw materials like tin and rubber. David Livingstone a Scottish missionary discovered the source of the R.Nile and his expeditions were funded by the Br gov who realised the value of his discoveries. French explorer Henri Mouhot led expeditions to Siam, Cambodia and Laos, his discoveries paving the way for Fr imperial control over Indo-China. -
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The Nature of New Imperialism- Maintaining Peaceful Relations
Although the rush to acquire new overseas possessions inevitably involved rivalry between European nations, there was an attempt to prevent the constant warfare that characterised old imperialism. The Treaty of Berlin (1885) effectively laid down rules by which European nations should carry out expansion in Africa. IN China imperial nations occupies their own areas of influence but were prepared to collaborate against the Chinese. -
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Nature of New imperialism- New Imperial Coutries
Earlier imperialism had been carried out by the main European powers- Br, Fr, Sp, Portugal and the Netherlands. Massive industrial growth led the USA to seek greater control in Central and S. Americanas well as gain trading rights in Asia. This required a strong navy and overseas bases. Jap also embarked on industrial and military revol that allowed it to obtain greater control in Asia. This brought Jap into conflict with Russ and made rivalry with the USA likely -
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Economic Motives for Expansion - The Long Depression
Imperial competition was enhanced by the Long Depression which was a period of price deflation where prices fell due to a decrease in demand leading to low wages and unemployment further reducing demand as people cannot afford to buy goods. Rapid industrialisation mainly in Ger/ Br meant the prod of goods was outstripping the demand. Govs were pressured to protect and promote their economies, leading to competition for overseas possessions that would provide guaranteed markets for their products -
Political Motives for Expansion- Growth of Nationalism
The late 19th century witnessed an increase in nationalism throughout Europe. Ger and It wanted to establish themselves as unified states. Fr wanted recover from its humiliating defeat in the Franco -Prussia war. Br proudly boasted about the size of its empire and navy. With the Earl of Carnarvon addressing the parliament saying 'Britain alone has built up a vast empire, compared to France that had seen its possessions gradually absorbed and Spains empire that had almost disspaeared' -
Economic Motives for Expansion- Compettion for Raw Materials
Just as Europe's industrialised nations needed to find new markets, they also needed to identify and ex[loit new sources of raw materials like cotton, rubber and tin. Large quantities of these materials could be found in Asia and Africa. Raw cotton was in Mozambique and India, copper in Southern Africa, rubber in Congo and tin in Malaysia. At the same time, Africa and Asia offered highly valued products like tea and silk in China, gold and diamonds in Transvaal and palm oil in W.Africa. -
Disputes with China over imperial Expansion pt 1 : Trade Background
China was self-contained with no desire to trade internationally. Although it had an organized, efficient economy the govs inability to adapt was a problem. By the 19th century, Eu contact with China was gov limited to the Port of Macau but Eu traders encroached on other parts of the country. The industrial revol brought a need for raw materials and new markets which were available in China. Eu found China's reluctance mystifying and irritating leading them to obtain trade rights by force -
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The First Boer War
Keeping S.Africa involved many native wars. In 1877 after a failed attempt to persuade the gold and diamond-rich Transvaal and Orange Free state (Boer inhabited) to join the Cape Colony, Br claimed possession of the republics. Despite alarm, the threat of war with the Zulus prevented the Boers from rebelling. After the bloody Anglo-Zulu war, the Transvaal Boers rebelled and defeated Br. The Pretoria contention gave the Boer republics self-governing status under Br oversight (military presence) -
Political Motives for Expansion- Strategic Control of Key Regions (Egypt)
The instability of the Egyptian gov threatened the new trading route, Suez canal, therefore in 1882 Br reluctantly took over the administration of Egypt. Many historians believe this encouraged other European nations to gain territory in Africa. What originated as a strategy to facilitate commercial activity became a political motive for seeking overseas possessions -
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The Berlin Conference
The fact that countries were prepared to negotiate and compromise rather than go to war was demonstrated by the Berlin conference. Organised by Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck, the conference was designed to regulate European imperialism and trade in Africa in order to prevent direct conflict. Reps from 13 European nations met in Berlin and their negotiations resulted in the Treaty of Berlin. -
The Treaty of Berlin
The treaty stated that free passage should be given to all ships on the Niger and Congo rivers. Abolishment of slavery provided justification to those who doubted Eu rights in Africa. Acquisition of an are involved other countries immediately informed and demonstration that the area was 'effectively occupied' (actually under control) This prevented nations from claiming territories just to deter others. Article 12 stated that disputes should be handled through negotiation rather than war. -
Impact of Berlin Conference
The Berlin Conference added further impetus tot eh the scramble for Africa. Eu nations rushed to 'effectively occupy' as much territory as possible as war would be avoided. The conference established rules nations should follow to divide the continent without the voice of the locals. This arrogant imperialism was evident in China. Despite the carefully laid out plans, tensions remained and intensified between Br and Ger in Africa and Jap and Eu in China. -
Germanys 'place in the sun' (Kaiser Wilhelm II is crowned)
Despite increased tensions, there were no imperial wars between 1871-1914 however imperial rivalry instigated an arms race with countries enhancing their military to defend themselves. When Kaiser Wilhelm II was crowned he embarked on a policy of 'weltpolitik; which involved actively seeking overseas possessions (a place in the sun) Ger's late entry increased tensions and Br saw Ger imperialism as a threat to its strategic and commercial interests. The Ger naval programme (1906) fuelled this. -
Political Motives for Expansion- Growth of Nationalism (Britian & France)
Along with superficial boasting, in the naval defence act, Br formally adopted the '2 power standard' in 1889. This aimed to ensure the Br navy was at least as powerful as the combined power of the next 2 largest navies (Fr and Russ at the time). Fr Gov argued it was Fr's destiny to be superior to other nations and to spread its language/culture through overseas expansions. However, Fr missionary leaders like Bishop Pellerin in Indo-China helped the Fr military take control of parts of Vietnam. -
Factors Enabling imperialism- Technological Advancement (Telegraph networks)
Communications systems improved and a telegraph network was established. by 1891 its cables reached from London to N/S.America, India and New Zealand. This made it easier for imperial nations to administer and control overseas possessions -
Theories of Racial Superiority
Europeans believed that they had a duty to bring order, stability and civilisation to 'pagan' Africans and Asians. David Livingstone argued it was essential to introduce non-whites to the 3 C's Christianism, Commerce and Civilisation. French economist Paul Leroy argued the civilised people of the West had a duty to spread the knowledge of medicine, law and Christianity. Claims that imperialism was only to benefit the locals disguised Europeans' true selfish intetions. -
Factors Enabling imperialism- Technological Advancement (Matabele War/ New Machinery)
The development of fast-firing rifles, machine guns and heavy artillery gave Europeans a distinct adv over poorly armed natives. E.g Although vastly outnumbered by the Africans, the possession of machine guns enabled Br soldiers to gain rapid victory in the Matabele war (Zimbabwe) of 1893. With such effective weaponry, the possession of the territory in Africa and Asia occurred without much resistance. -
Foreign Involvement in China/Sino Japanese war
The situation worsened when following disputes about Korea, Japan lost the Sino-Japanese war. Chinese troops were poorly trained and relied on outdated equipment. The crushing defeat led tot eh signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in which China gave Korea, Formosa and Port Arthur to Japan -
Treaty of Shimonoseki
After the 1st Sino-Japanese war Jap was given Port Arthur. Russ wanted Port Arthurs had a warm water harbour to expand its own interests in the East. With Fr/Ger support Russ put diplomatic pressure on Jap to return Port Arthur to China, the triple intervention. Fr was compelled to honour its 1894 alliance and Ger was involved in the exchange of Russ support. Jap could not resist and after failed tries to get Br/USA help returned Port Arthur which Russ soon occupied causing Jap resentment. -
British involvement in S.Africa/ The Jameon Raid
The Discovery of gold deposits in Transvaal in 1886 brought many new Br settlers. These newcomers were denied political and economic rights by Transvaal leader Paul Kruger. Br expansionist ambitions encouraged by Cecil Rhodes led to the failed Jameson Raid. Rhodes hoped that settlers in Transvaal would rebel against the gov leading Br forces (headed by Jameson) to 'assist' them. However, the rebellion did not materialise and the raid went on anyway/ The Boers swiftly drove them back. -
Belgian Imperialism by 1900
Belgium had recently independence in 1830 but had a leader King Leopold 11 who was determined to enhance the country's wealth and prestige. Leopold was prepared to sue his own money to pay for an African territory, he saw the financial adv to be gained by exploiting Congos large quantities of raw rubber, a commodity in demand in Europe. -
Ger Interferece/ European Opinion on British invovlement in South Africa
Other Eu nations resented Br invasion of a small independent nation. Kaiser Wilhelm sent a telegram congratulating Kruger which caused angered Br as it implied that Ger would support the Boers in future wars. The telegram could be evidence of Kaiser's impetuous personality or a result of pressure from Ger foreign secretary Baron Marschall 'to teach Br a lesson'. The telegram enhanced Ger's prestige and isolated Br and Ger had an intention to replace Br in S.Africa. Br/Ger relations deteriorated. -
Fashoda Incident
While Fr was expanding Eastwards from W.Africa, Br was expanding Southwards from Egypt to the Cape. Their paths crossed in Sudan, with Fr under Major Marchand and Br under Lord Kitchener, in the village of Fashoda. Both claimed Sudan and this led to widespread outrage in Br and Fr, with each country accusing the other of aggression. Both nations began to mobilise but a compromise was reached with Fr recognising Br possession of Egypt and Sudan while Br acknowledged Fr presence in Morrocco. -
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Foreign Involvement in Chian/ Boxer Rebellion
Chinese nationalists angered by their govs failure to prevent foreign involvement took up arms. The Chinese gov was hesitant, but eventually supported the rebellion and declared war on the foreign powers. An 8 nation alliance involving Br, Russ, Jap, Fr, USA, Ger, It, Aus took Peking and defeated the rebellion. The Chinese gov was forced to pay 67 million in compensation for the damage that had been done to the foreign-owned property. The humiliation of China was complete. -
Further European support for Racial Superiority
Lord Lugard, a British soldier/ explorer later governor of the Nigerian colony accepted that Br's main motive was to serve their self-interests. He saw no wrong in this claiming it was Br's 'right' to take African land to address its own interests implying that the rights of Europeans outweighed those of the Africans. German Social Democrat August addressed the reichstag pledged support to germna imperialism even though in 1899 he conmdemend it. -
Foreign Involvement in China/ USAs 'Open Door Policy'
Concerned that Eu and Japanese involvement posed a threat to US economic interests they negotiated an 'open door policy'. The policy aimed to ensure that all foreign nations could enjoy the benefits of Chinese trade on an equal basis and to avoid the possibility that one nation might take full control of China. These negotiations were undertaken with other imperial nations and not with the Chinese gov who was informed only of the outcome. -
Opposition to Imperialism- Book by Joseph Conrad
In the book Heart of Darkness by Polish British author Joseph Conrad he raised major issues about imperialism and racism. The novel challenged the widely accepted view that the imperial nations were 'civilised while the natives were 'savages'. Marlow one of the characters in the book concludes that 'imperialism is not a pretty thing when one look too much into it. Other intellectuals, religious leaders and writers also argued it was morally wrong to seize territory that belonged to the locals. -
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The Second Boer War
In 1899 Kruger demanded the removal of Br troops and the full independence of Transvaal. When Br refused Kruger declared war. After capturing Transvaal capital Pretoria, The Boers adopted guerilla tactics, the fact that they were equipped with Ger Mauser rifles further angered Br. Br victory was confirmed by the treaty of Vereeniging which placed the Boer regions under Br control. The war revealed fundamental weaknesses in the army, 22,000 Br soldiers died and the war cost 200m pounds. -
Imperialism in Africa by 1900
By 1900 due to what became known as the 'scramble for Africa' in the last quarter of the 19th century, over 905 of the African continent was under European control. This was a huge increase compared to the 10% in 1870 -
British Imperialism by 1900
Br's original concern was to protect its vital Indian Ocean trading routes e.g Egypt/South Africa. However, the discovery of gold, diamonds etc in Transvaal alerted Br to the economic rewards in Africa, thus they pursued imperialism to prevent other countries from benefitting from these rewards. By 1900 Br had 17 territories, accounting for 30% of the African population. Rhodes desired to build a railway and telegraph line from Cairo in the North to the Cape in the South. -
French Imperialism by 1900
While Br concentrated on E.Africa, Fr was more active in the N and W. Economic and diplomatic disputes led Fr to invade Algeria. Partly due to the slave trade, Fr controlled Senegals coast. In the late 19th Centruy Fr moved inland in search of raw materials (palm oil and timber) as well as new markets for their industrial output. Fr politicians determined to increases theory countries' prestige and power following defeat in the Franco- Prussia war saw imperialism as essential. -
Portugese Imperialism by 1900
Building on long-standing contacts with the African coast, from the first wave of Western exploration in the 16th century and determined not to be left behind in the race to acquire African land, Portugal extended its long-established claims to Angola and Mozambique. -
German Imperialism by 1900
Ger entered the 'scramble' late as it became unified in 1871. Ger chancellor Otto Von Bismarck avoided unnecessary rivalries and formed alliances for protection as Ger was surrounded by potential enemies By 1818 the gov was forced to abandon this policy of resistance by businesses and industrialists leading them to gain 5 territories. However, by the time, it entered the race most of the profitable areas had already been taken and German E.Africa cost considerably more than they were worth. -
Domestic support for imperialism in Britain Pt. 1(Newspapers, Schools)
Br had long had a vast empire and thus its peoples were accustomed to imperialism. Still, support for Br imperialism was encouraged at a young age through the intro of compulsory schooling. Schools encouraged pride and loyalty with maps of Br empires displayed in classes. Increased literacy levels and new technology meant newspapers owned by pro-imperialists like the daily mail discussed the civilisation of 'barbarians', reinforcing belief in racial superiority, encouraging nationalism. -
Opposition to imperialism- Liberals
Other liberals like Ger politician Eugen Richter/ Fr economist Gustave/ Br politician Lor Aton all criticised the economic imperials as short-sighted. European govs concentrated on developing overseas trade but tried to protect domestic trade with high taxes on imports from other European nations. They advocated for tax-free trading links between European countries as well as a reduction in taxation and high expenditure overseas that was unsustainable. -
Opposition to Imperialism- Bismarck avoiding tension
Hobson's view that imperialism would increase tensions was echoed by the Ger chancellor Otto Von Bismarck who was reluctant to involve Ger into the quests for overseas possessions. His priority was the security of the newly unified nation and did not want this to be threatened by conflict with other nations. When Bismarck joined imperialism he was careful to ensure gov expenditure was balanced between welfare provision and developing the military, thus he retained support of the working class. -
Domestic support for imperialism in France (Newspapers, Schools, The Government, Politicains, The Church)
Children were taught of their right to spread Fr culture and encouraged to be patriotic through the intro of an education system. The missionary- government's policy of 'mission civilisatrice' was promoted by media like 'la Croix' where the church only positively discussed imperialism. The gov and pro imperialists stressed the social/political /economic advs of imperialism with the latter paying newspapers to do the same. Politician Jules Ferry made many remarks reinforcing racial superiority. -
Domestic Support for Imperialism in Germany
Ger joined the 'scramble' late to avoid conflict. Plus its economic advs, imperialism promoted Ger unity amongst the different peoples. The gov stressed the economic/social advs and gov organisations like the Colonial Society and the Navy League tried to garner domestic support. Ger missionaries 'bringing Christianity to the heathens' provided the gov with info and connections. Nationalism and imperial justifications were promoted in newspapers, literature, art and postcards (cheap/effective) -
Opposition to Imperialism- Liberals and organisations in Britain
Anti-imperialistic sentiment grew stronger in Br after the long/expensive campaign to maintain control of S.Africa (the Zulu, Boer and Matabele wars) Organisations like the Stop The War committee were against Br involvement in the Boer wars arguing it only supported greedy entrepreneurs. Liberals like Bannerman and Lloyd George accused the gov of using barbaric tactics. However, maj of Br newspapers supported the gov and its involvement in the Boer wars, Br public positively viewed imperialism. -
Domestic Support for Imperialism in Britain Pt 2 (Print Media, Entertainment, Household Items)
The book Kim by Rudyard Kipling justified Br rule in India, implying the Indians were fortunate and happy to receive Br 'help'. Magazines like Wizard and Union Jack told stories of Br 'heroes' defending the Br empire. Tea packets and biscuit tins etc had images of foreign lands and heroic soldiers. Performers emulating soldiers sang songs justifying imperialism in music halls. Having banned slavery in 1807 Br argued they had to end it in Africa Kipling describes this as the 'white man's burden'. -
Criticsm for Britsh Involvement in the Second Boer War
Br was condemned for using the scorched earth method during the war as well as the establishment of concentration camps in which the wives and children of Boer fighters were imprisoned. These camps were supposed to be refugee camps but conditions were poor and they were administered harshly in the ope that it would force the Boers to surrender. The camps had bad hygiene and little food. 30,000 civilians died. The Boer war divided Br opinion on imperialism and they felt isolated and vulnerable. -
Economic Motives for Expansion According to John. A.Hobson
In his book ' the economic taproot of imperialism' Hobson summarised the economic reasons for imperialism in the last quarter of the 19th century. He said ' imperialists argue we must have new markets for our growing manufacturers and new outlets for the investment of surplus capital'. He also argued that 'it was a necessity for a nation with great and growing powers of prod'. He stated 'that as long as Br held a monopoly of the world markets for manufactured goods imperialism was unnecessary -
Opposition to Imperialism- John Hobsons Book
Br economist John Hobson in his book Imperialism: A study argued 'new imperialism' harmed Br economically, politically and socially. Although few businessmen profited from it, it was not cost-effective and there was little increase in Br trade. The cost of maintaining control was more than the advs of having them. Tensions in Europe were increased by Br's involvement in embarrassing wars (Boer Wars). The cost of imperialism made it impossible for the gov to carry out domestic social reforms. -
Entente Cordiale
Ger naval increase alarmed Br who argued that Ger territories were not enough to warrant a large navy. Br was concerned that since its navy was dispersed, the Ger navy would concentrate the North Sea threatening Br security. This led to the Ger/Br naval race. Fr angered by the Franco-Prussian war also felt threatened. Br and Fr signed the Entente Cordial settling their rivalry in N.Africa, with Br supporting Fr in Morocco. Kaiser thought the alliance threatened Ger prestige and influence. -
Tangiers, Algeciras and Agadir
In March 1905 Kaiser Wilhelm made an aggressive speech in the Moroccan city of Tangiers affirming that Ger favoured Morrocan independence. Rather than causing a split between Br and Fr, Br supported Fr claims. This was upheld in the 1906 international conference in Algeciras. Increasingly suspicious of Ger intentions Br/Fr developed closer relations. In 1911 Kaiser sent a gunboat (Panther) to the Morrocan port Agadir to undermine Fr power,Br supported Fr,Ger to back down. (Algeciras crisis)