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AMSCO 6.8 Causation in the Imperial Age Notes

1 min readjune 18, 2024

Topic 2.1

📍Topic 6.8 Causation in the Imperial Age + Review

📖 AMSCO p.439 - p.450

Key Timeline

Timeline illustrating the 19th-century dynamics: industrial expansion, global influence, resistance movements, migration patterns, and technological transformations

Image Courtesy of Abdullah

Practice Essay Questions

Prep for Unit 6 Essay Questions

The Effects of Imperialism

AspectSignificance of Imperialism (1750-1900)
Economic ImpactEuropean powers engaged in aggressive colonial expansion, leading to the establishment of vast empires across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This fueled the rise of a global capitalist system, as colonies were exploited for their resources.
Social ConsequencesIndigenous societies faced forced assimilation, cultural displacement, and often violent upheavals. Imperialism had a profound impact on cultural identities and societal structures in colonized regions.
Geopolitical TensionsImperialistic pursuits contributed to geopolitical tensions among European powers as they vied for control over colonies and resources. This complex web of rivalries and alliances later played a role in the outbreak of World Wars in the 20th century.
Global Power DynamicsThe era of imperialism left an enduring mark on global power dynamics, shaping the course of world history and influencing the distribution of power among nations.

Native Responses to Imperialism in India and Sub-Saharan Africa from 1750-1900

AspectSimilaritiesDifferences
Resistance to ImperialismBoth India and Sub-Saharan Africa exhibited a shared resistance to foreign domination. Indigenous peoples in both regions engaged in armed uprisings, cultural preservation efforts, and diplomatic strategies to safeguard autonomy and heritage.The nature of specific uprisings differed; India experienced the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny), while Sub-Saharan Africa saw resistance movements like the Zulu resistance against British expansion. Variations in the nature and scale of resistance reflected unique historical and cultural contexts.
Diplomatic EffortsIndigenous leaders and communities in both regions utilized diplomatic means to resist imperial encroachment. Examples include King Menelik II's diplomatic efforts in Ethiopia and Indian nationalist movements seeking diplomatic solutions.The specific diplomatic challenges and strategies varied based on the geopolitical dynamics, local leaders, and the nature of imperial rule in each region. The diplomatic landscape was shaped by distinct historical and cultural factors.
Impact on Social StructuresImperialism influenced existing social structures in both India and Sub-Saharan Africa. The disruption prompted indigenous communities to resist cultural assimilation and preserve their social identities.The impact on social structures varied based on factors such as the degree of cultural homogeneity within indigenous groups, the nature of imperial rule, and the existing social dynamics in each region. The responses were shaped by these contextual differences.
Cultural Preservation EffortsBoth regions witnessed efforts to preserve indigenous cultures in the face of imperial dominance. Indigenous peoples sought to maintain their cultural heritage as a form of resistance against European cultural imposition.The specific cultural practices, traditions, and methods of preservation differed based on the rich diversity of cultures in India and Sub-Saharan Africa. Cultural responses were shaped by the unique characteristics of each society.

How Migration Patterns Evolved or Stayed Consistent from 1750-1900

AspectChangesContinuities
Economic MotivationsWorkers continued to migrate for economic opportunities, seeking employment and improved living conditions, echoing the motivations of their ancestors.Economic factors remained a consistent driving force behind migration throughout the period.
GlobalizationIncreasing globalization facilitated larger-scale international migrations, with advancements like steamships and railways making long-distance travel more accessible.The enduring economic motivations for migration were now facilitated by more expansive and interconnected global networks.
Technological AdvancesTechnological advancements played a crucial role in shaping migration patterns, making long-distance travel more feasible and influencing the scale and scope of migrations.The fundamental motivation for migration persisted, but the means and scale of migration were significantly influenced by technological progress.
UrbanizationThe rise of industrialization led to increased urbanization, drawing people from rural areas into growing cities in search of employment opportunities.Economic motivations for migration drove people toward urban centers, reflecting the impact of industrialization on settlement patterns.
Colonial InfluencesColonization of Africa and Australia by European powers influenced migration patterns, with movements driven by colonial labor demands and settler movements.The colonial context introduced new dynamics to migration, diversifying the reasons for movement within and between continents.
Political ChangesThe end of the transatlantic slave trade and the emergence of new nation-states influenced the composition of migratory flows and internal movements within newly formed nations.Political factors played a role in shaping migration patterns, leading to changes in the nature and direction of movements.