Dbq Imperialism In Africa
The textbook definition of “industrialized” contains descriptors that emphasize its modern context, manipulating words such as ‘streamlined’ and ‘mechanized’. In relation to the Industrial Revolution, the same vein ethnocentrism, within the framework of an automated culture, surfaced. With the influence of this self-importance on imperialism in Africa, ideas of The White Man’s Burden and religious superiority as a justification of expansion, as well as political competitiveness in the form of barbaric tendencies, evolved and repressed the African people rapidly. The Industrial Revolution, occurring from around 1760-1820, was the development of a technologically advanced society. As modern ideals swept Europe, a global advancement in a manufactured economy drove countries to keep up with leading nations and competitors. “Once the status of great power
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thus became associated with raising its flag over some palm-fringed beach (or…over stretched of dry scrub), the acquisition of colonies itself became a status symbol, irrespective of their value.” (Document O) This power craving within the political spheres of each country propelled an immediate desire for hegemony over Africa. Competition within Europe emerged as the race for dominance over key ports and resources began. (International Relations 10) In order to avoid these rivalries, the major powers held a forum to divide and conquer Africa as a somewhat united front. The Berlin Conference took place from 1884-1885, and was an example of the politically steered power struggle that resulted from the universal progression of the Industrial Revolution.
The same ego and national self-worth occurred in relation to the White Man’s Burden.
The idea that Europe was a radical, cutting edge civilization created a sense of supremacy over less developed nations. They believed Africa to be so outdated that the natives could not even be considered modern men. In fact, they were not considered men at all. The explorers rationalized their corruption of this preoccupied land through the transfer from human status, to that of a wild animal. (Document P) Through the perspective of the Europeans, the seemingly underdeveloped Africa was in need of saving, and with their lavish machinery, they were the perfect nation to graciously come forth and salvage the remains of Africa and claim their habitat. “Take up the White Man’s burden, send forth the best ye breed, go bind your sons to exile, to serve your captives’ need; to wait in heavy harness, on fluttered folk and wild-your new caught sullen peoples, half devil and half-child…” (Document P) The animalistic tone of the words exposed the way they spoke of the Africans with condescending pity, and then acted accordingly. (Document
Q)
The final factor affected by the Industrial Revolution’s pompous and egotistical aftermath, was religious influence, led by the churches in hopes to unshackle the immoral and unfaithful, and free them into God’s hands. This contributed to the notion that religious participants and activists were morally obligated to act as missionaries to natives of a less evolved society. (Document S) This was a particularly undesired action, and local inhabitants reacted violently. (Document D) Although initially despised, the missionary work made an enormous impression on the African people, as indicated by massive convert counts. The general improvement in literacy and the elevation of common and perhaps misconstrued conceptions also exemplified the religiously led forced impression of Europe on Africa. (Document N) The British believed themselves to be the master of all people, intellect, and ideology. Christianity, partnered with other reforms, pushed them into Africa with a sense of questionable innocence and civility. (Document K)
The social influence on Imperialism in Africa, stemming from the self-admiration and egotism of the Industrial Revolution, existed in power hungry white supremacists and morally obligated missionaries. Though these acts of hegemony brought condemnation, it, in some ways, furthered Africa’s state of modernism and enlightened the natives. The scramble for Africa amplified European rivalry and nationalism, in a desperate attempt to ensure personal interest and priority over other nations. (International Relations 18) These intentions reaffirm the arrogance of countries during the 17th through 19th centuries, and support the notion that social and cultural factors were the largest cause of imperialism in Africa.
thus became associated with raising its flag over some palm-fringed beach (or…over stretched of dry scrub), the acquisition of colonies itself became a status symbol, irrespective of their value.” (Document O) This power craving within the political spheres of each country propelled an immediate desire for hegemony over Africa. Competition within Europe emerged as the race for dominance over key ports and resources began. (International Relations 10) In order to avoid these rivalries, the major powers held a forum to divide and conquer Africa as a somewhat united front. The Berlin Conference took place from 1884-1885, and was an example of the politically steered power struggle that resulted from the universal progression of the Industrial Revolution.
The same ego and national self-worth occurred in relation to the White Man’s Burden.
The idea that Europe was a radical, cutting edge civilization created a sense of supremacy over less developed nations. They believed Africa to be so outdated that the natives could not even be considered modern men. In fact, they were not considered men at all. The explorers rationalized their corruption of this preoccupied land through the transfer from human status, to that of a wild animal. (Document P) Through the perspective of the Europeans, the seemingly underdeveloped Africa was in need of saving, and with their lavish machinery, they were the perfect nation to graciously come forth and salvage the remains of Africa and claim their habitat. “Take up the White Man’s burden, send forth the best ye breed, go bind your sons to exile, to serve your captives’ need; to wait in heavy harness, on fluttered folk and wild-your new caught sullen peoples, half devil and half-child…” (Document P) The animalistic tone of the words exposed the way they spoke of the Africans with condescending pity, and then acted accordingly. (Document
Q)
The final factor affected by the Industrial Revolution’s pompous and egotistical aftermath, was religious influence, led by the churches in hopes to unshackle the immoral and unfaithful, and free them into God’s hands. This contributed to the notion that religious participants and activists were morally obligated to act as missionaries to natives of a less evolved society. (Document S) This was a particularly undesired action, and local inhabitants reacted violently. (Document D) Although initially despised, the missionary work made an enormous impression on the African people, as indicated by massive convert counts. The general improvement in literacy and the elevation of common and perhaps misconstrued conceptions also exemplified the religiously led forced impression of Europe on Africa. (Document N) The British believed themselves to be the master of all people, intellect, and ideology. Christianity, partnered with other reforms, pushed them into Africa with a sense of questionable innocence and civility. (Document K)
The social influence on Imperialism in Africa, stemming from the self-admiration and egotism of the Industrial Revolution, existed in power hungry white supremacists and morally obligated missionaries. Though these acts of hegemony brought condemnation, it, in some ways, furthered Africa’s state of modernism and enlightened the natives. The scramble for Africa amplified European rivalry and nationalism, in a desperate attempt to ensure personal interest and priority over other nations. (International Relations 18) These intentions reaffirm the arrogance of countries during the 17th through 19th centuries, and support the notion that social and cultural factors were the largest cause of imperialism in Africa.