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Charles Darwin Published "On the Origin of Species"
Darwin's book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. The idea of the "survival of the fittest" was introduced. Some Europeans used Darwin's theory of natural selection to justify imperialism. They claimed a responsibility for spreading European culture to less developed societies. This policy became known as Social Darwinism. It was the thought of the time that helped spread and justify imperialism. -
The Opening of the Suez Canal
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez. The canal allowed ships to travel between Europe and South Asia without having to navigate around Africa. This opened up trade between the continents and made it much easier to transport goods. -
Henry Stanley Sent to the Congo
Henry Stanley was a British explorer hired by the New York Herald to find David Livingston, a British missionary that had gone missing while exploring the interior of Africa. Stanley went into the Congo River region and central Africa. He became a land broker for Belgium's King Leopold II. -
The British Took Control of the Suez Canal
Britain purchased a controlling interest in the Suez Canal from the bankrupt ruler of Egypt. The French owned the other shares. The Suez Canal was important because it shortened the route from Europe to South and East Asia. The canal also provided a lifeline to India. The British occupation of Egypt, the richest and most developed land in Africa, set off “African fever” in Europe. -
The Scramble for Africa
Between 1878 and 1914, Africa was invaded, occupied, colonized, and annexed by European powers during the period of New Imperialism. -
The Boer Wars
The Boer Wars was the name given to the South African Wars of 1880-1881 (The First Boer War) and 1899-1902 (The Second Boar War). They were fought between the British and the descendants of the Dutch settlers (Boers) in Africa. When the British made it known that an attempt at annexation would be made, the Boers fought back. -
The Congress of Berlin
In 1884 German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, called an international conference of thirteen European powers and the United States. They met in Berlin to lay down the ground rules for imperialism for Africa. They focused on settling territorial disputes between European powers. Areas of open trade were established, resolutions were made for humanitarian ideals, and the slave trade was abolished. It continued from 1884-1885. -
Rudyard Kipling published "The White Man's Burden"
The poem was published in McLure's Magazine and proposed that the white man had a moral obligation to help the non-white peoples of the Earth. He encouraged people to take up their moral obligation to civilize the uncivilized. He felt it was man's responsibility to encourage their economic, cultural, and social progress through colonialism, until they could independently manage their own affairs. This poem expressed the duty of social darwinism. -
The Open Door Policy
Between 1870 and 1914, the Western nations carved China into spheres of influence, areas in which outside powers claimed exclusive trading rights. John Hay, the American Secretary of State, proposed equal trading rights to China for all nations. He felt that there should be a protection of equal privileges among countries trading with China and support for Chinese territorial and administrative integrity. The Open Door policy was written. -
The Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion was a violent uprising that took place in China and lasted until September 7, 1901 with the signing of the Boxer Protocol. It was an anti-foreign and anti-Christian movement that was started by the Militia United in Righteousness (known by the English as "Boxers"). It was started because of opposition to imperialist expansion and Christian missionary activity. The Boxers goal was to drive out all foreigners and restore China to isolation.
