Forms and Methods of Imperialism

1. 1) IMPERIALISM… defined: • → “Policy in which one country seeks to extend its authority by conquering other countries, or by establishing economic and political dominance over other countries.” [text] • → A nation controlling another nation for economic, political, and/or military gain. [Unit 1] • → The exploitation of a weak or less developed nation by a strong (usually industrial) nation, by taking economic and/or political control of a foreign people in their native land. • → Can be done directly or indirectly, but in ALL cases, involves a loss of sovereignty by the nation being imperialized.

2. FORMS OF IMPERIALISM • I. Colonies (Colonialism): • - “a country or territory governed internally by a foreign power” [text] • - Imperial nation’s government administers directly, within the conquered territory • - Usually involves a simultaneous stronger military presence by the imperial nation • (or, sometimes use of native conscripts) • - Often (but not always) involves migration and settlement of citizens from the imperial nation in the conquered territory. • - DIRECT imperialism

3. FORMS OF IMPERIALISM • II. Protectorate: • - “a country or territory with its own internal [native] government, but under the control of an outside [foreign] power” [text] • - Also known as a PUPPET GOVERNMENT: •  Imperial nation selects or approves “leaders” of the nation being controlled •  Imperial nation directs the foreign policies of the nation under control •  Imperial nation “protects” the nation under control (either with their own troops, or by training & supplying the military of the nation under control) • - INDIRECT imperialism

4. FORMS OF IMPERIALISM • III. Sphere of Influence: • - “an area in which an outside power claims exclusive economic privileges” [text] • - Any region under the political, economic, or military influence of a more powerful nation, compelled to serve the interests of that nation (usually under threat of direct intervention) • - Uses coercive, unequal treaties • - Nation under control keeps native government • - INDIRECT imperialism

5. FORMS OF IMPERIALISM • IV. Economic Imperialism: • - an “independent” but less-developed country controlled by [FOREIGN] private business interests [text] • - Foreign business investments may occur under the encouragement and protection of the foreign business’s home government! • - Troops are not always necessary (unless foreign investments are threatened by angry natives - labor strikes, revolutions, etc.) • - Uses CAPITAL as a weapon! • - INDIRECT imperialism

6. FORMS OF IMPERIALISM MOST DIRECT Colonialism Protectorate Sphere of Influence Economic Imperialism LEAST DIRECT (most indirect)

7. 3) Methods of imperial control (HOW?): • 1. INDIRECT control: • - Local (native) government officials used • - Limited self-rule (NOT fully sovereign!) • - “develop future leaders”… • TRANSLATION: bribe / support corrupt & undemocratic leaders to serve the imperial nation’s interests • = establish PUPPET GOVERNMENTS • - Government institutions (services & organization) intermix with local (native) ones. • - Does NOT always use troops to control • - Rather, uses CAPITAL INVESTMENT and PROTECTION as tools of control (and access to resources) • - MODERN IMPERIALISM!

8. 3) Methods of imperial control (HOW?): • 2. DIRECT control: • - Foreign officials brought in to rule (no self-rule) • - Often involves FORCED ASSIMILATION of native population (might include settlement of imperial nation’s citizens in the conquered land) • - Conquering nation’s rules apply to political, economic, and social institutions • - Often involves use of superior MILITARY strength to control (send troops, or conscript native troops) • - a.k.a. TRADITIONAL IMPERIALISM

9. FORMS OF IMPERIALISM • Economic Imperialism (further explained): • POSITIVE aspects: • + promotes foreign CAPITAL INVESTMENT • + encourages TRADE • + creates JOBS • + develops a poor nation’s economy & infrastructure • + foreign company may invest in some health & education services for its native labor force

10. FORMS OF IMPERIALISM • Economic Imperialism (further explained): • NEGATIVE aspects: • - Profits from a nation’s labor, resources, or markets disproportionately benefit the imperial/industrial nation • - Imposes unfair trading terms (resources at undervalued prices; labor w/ low wages & outlawed unions) • - Often involves bribing & supporting dictators (and corrupt “presidents”) of underdeveloped nations (economically & militarily) for access to resources • - Some development occurs (infrastructure, health, education), but NO MIDDLE CLASS GROWTH occurs over time (nation STAYS POOR b/c profits flow OUT of country, instead of being re-invested in the country). • - Though unfair, is a LEGAL AGREEMENT signed w/ a “sovereign” government.