Imperialism and Colonialism are related to the extension of authority, influence, and domination of one society on another (as Dr. Wang stated in lecture 4). The difference between Imperialism and Colonialism is that the former is an idea whereas the latter is an application or practice. The motivations behind Western Colonialism included a drive for national pride, a misapplication of social Darwinism, and a desire for raw materials (Murphey, 298). As discussed in the week 5 lecture, colonial rule took the form of direct rule, pseudo-indirect rule, and indirect rule. Imperialism and Colonialism caused a shift in power from China to Japan, growth of trade in India, and variable responses in Southeast Asia. After South Asia became more accessible to Europeans through improvements in shipping/navigational technology and the Suez Canal, the British East India Company began to establish rule in India under both direct and indirect rule as noted in week 5 lecture. Initially, the British government had only limited involvement in India. …show more content…
Under British rule, India had the largest rail network in Asia, which allowed for new economic activities like textile and steel manufacturing (Murphey, 287). As Dr. Wang stated in the week 4 lecture, the European industries had a high demand for Chinese resources, which led to opium trade in China; this harmed the health, economy, and image of China. In the subsequent Opium War, a small British force destroyed the Chinese navy (Murphey, 304). The resulting Treaty of Nanjing was a significant loss to China, and a major success for British imperialism. As Dr. Wang stated in lecture, the treaty transferred control of Hong Kong to Britain, modified the trading system, and prevented China from making allies. Future treaties and uprisings such as the Taiping rebellion further weakened the Qing government and decentralized