Second wave of colonization

Definition

The Second Wave of Colonization refers to the period of imperial expansion that took place from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, characterized by European powers, especially Britain, France, and Germany, establishing vast empires in Africa and Asia. This era was marked by competition among colonial rivals for resources, territory, and influence, reshaping global politics and economies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Wave of Colonization began around the 1870s and continued until World War I, with a significant increase in European territorial claims in Africa and Asia.
2. Technological advancements, such as steam-powered ships and telegraphs, facilitated long-distance travel and communication, making it easier for European powers to manage their colonies.
3. European nations justified their imperial pursuits with ideologies like Social Darwinism, which promoted the belief that certain races were superior and had a duty to civilize 'inferior' populations.
4. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalized the rules for the colonization of Africa, leading to heightened tensions among European powers as they competed for land and resources.
5. Resistance to colonization often emerged from indigenous populations, resulting in conflicts such as the Zulu Wars and the Boer Wars, highlighting the complexities of colonial rule.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements contribute to the success of the Second Wave of Colonization?
  • Technological advancements played a crucial role in enabling European powers to successfully engage in the Second Wave of Colonization. Innovations like steam-powered ships allowed for faster travel across oceans, while telegraphs improved communication between colonies and their home countries. These developments made it easier to maintain control over distant territories, respond quickly to challenges, and exploit resources efficiently.
• Analyze the motivations behind the Second Wave of Colonization and how they influenced European relationships with colonized regions.
  • The motivations behind the Second Wave of Colonization were varied but included economic interests, political competition among European nations, and ideological beliefs. Economic motivations involved the desire for new markets and raw materials to fuel industrial growth. Politically, countries sought to enhance their global standing through territorial expansion. Ideologically, ideas like Social Darwinism justified domination over other cultures. These motivations influenced relationships with colonized regions by often leading to exploitation, cultural imposition, and conflict with local populations.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Second Wave of Colonization on both Europe and the colonized regions during the 20th century.
  • The Second Wave of Colonization had profound long-term impacts on both Europe and colonized regions. For Europe, it contributed to economic growth through access to resources but also led to political rivalries that fueled tensions leading up to World War I. In colonized regions, the imposition of foreign rule disrupted traditional societies, economies, and cultures, creating lasting legacies such as ethnic conflicts and economic dependency. The resistance movements that arose during this period also laid the groundwork for decolonization efforts in the mid-20th century, fundamentally altering global power dynamics.

Related terms

Scramble for Africa: The rapid invasion and colonization of African territory by European powers in the late 19th century, which led to the partitioning of the continent among various colonial nations.

Imperialism: The policy or ideology of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often resulting in colonization.

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies or territories by a foreign power, often involving the exploitation of resources and imposition of cultural values.