State EXPANSION [AP World History] Unit 6 Topic 2

This paragraph discusses the historical context and motivations behind European imperialism between 1750 and 1900, with a focus on Africa and Asia. It begins by defining imperialism as the extension of a country's power and influence into other lands, often through a combination of diplomacy and force. The narrative then delves into the specifics of European expansion into Africa, highlighting the shift from mere trading posts to full-scale colonization, exemplified by the British desire for a shorter sea route to Asian trading posts, leading to the construction of the Suez Canal. The paragraph also touches on the British seizure of the canal and the subsequent disregard for previous diplomatic agreements with African leaders, resulting in the establishment of colonial holdings in Sierra Leone, Gambia, Lagos, and the Gold Coast. The French actions in Algeria are also mentioned, as well as the broader phenomenon known as the Scramble for Africa, which led to the Berlin Conference and the arbitrary drawing of colonial boundaries that ignored existing African communities and rivalries. The segment concludes with a brief mention of Belgian King Leopold II's brutal exploitation of the Congo and the eventual takeover by the Belgian state.

The second paragraph shifts focus to the imperialistic endeavors in Asia and the Pacific. It starts with the British presence in India, detailing how the British East India Company gradually claimed more territory from the Mughal Empire, eventually leading to the conquest of India with the help of Indian soldiers called sepoys. The narrative then moves to China, where European powers pursued economic imperialism, leveraging military might to secure trading rights and carve up China into spheres of influence. Japan's unique role as a colonizer, rather than a colony, is highlighted, with its modernization during the Meiji Restoration and subsequent imperial expansion into Korea, Southeast Asia, and parts of China. The Dutch East India Company's dominance in Southeast Asia and the eventual government takeover of colonial holdings are also discussed. The paragraph further explores British colonization of Australia and New Zealand, with Australia initially serving as a penal colony and New Zealand being a settler colony with conflicts arising from the British encroachment on Maori lands. Lastly, the paragraph touches on American westward expansion, driven by the concept of Manifest Destiny, and the eventual acquisition of overseas territories following the Spanish-American War, including the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. It also mentions Russia's imperialistic actions, such as the acquisition of territories from the Ottomans, annexation of various regions, and the acquisition of Manchuria from China.