ASMR ~ Maps of Imperialism and Colonization! ~ British Empire, Russia, Africa ~ Soft Spoken
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Introduction
Good evening and welcome! Tonight, we will continue our read-through of the book History of the World Map by Map. If you're new here, I’m glad you clicked on this video! In this series, I read through the book without prior familiarity, having only glanced at the titles to create a cohesive theme. I often feel antsy to dive into these pages, so let’s get started!
Before we dive deep into our maps, I noticed I still have some Halloween candy wrappers on my desk. How about a quick candy review? Personally, my favorite non-chocolate candy is Skittles, particularly the regular ones over the wild berry flavor. As for chocolate, I’m a fan of Twix bars. Recently, I came across Lifesaver gummies; I found them enjoyable, but my big discovery was peanut butter Snickers—they were quite delicious!
Now, moving on to the maps, our theme tonight revolves around imperialism and colonization as we transition from the 19th century to the 20th century. Let’s explore the maps!
South Asia 1825 to 1876
By 1850, the British East India Company was the dominant power on the Indian subcontinent, overshadowing the French and Portuguese, whose influence was limited to smaller areas. The Danish had relinquished their holdings, and the Dutch left by 1825. Following the Indian Revolt of 1857-58, the British crown took control of India, culminating in Queen Victoria becoming Empress of India in 1876.
East and Southeast Asia 1850 to 1895
In the 1850s, agrarian unrest in China led to rebellion and famine, presenting an opportunity for Western powers to expand their influence. France and Britain extended their presence deep into China, facing competition from a rapidly modernizing Japan and Russia.
Africa 1876 to 1900
In 1850, Africa was a puzzle of kingdoms largely unknown to Europeans. The 1880s marked the onset of the Scramble for Africa, with King Leopold II of Belgium exploiting the Congo, prompting European nations to vie for control, leading to conflicts both with indigenous populations and among themselves.
Informal Empires 1870 to 1900
Financial investments and control of critical resources propelled European powers to wield significant influence over territories they didn't directly rule, particularly in Argentina where British interests flourished.
The Spanish-American War 1898
This conflict expanded U.S. influence into the Caribbean, explaining the modern presence of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Subsequent maps reveal areas of contention, including the Great Game battles over Afghanistan between Britain and Russia, the opening of the Suez Canal, and the struggles in South Africa among the Boers, British, and Zulus, emphasizing the complex narratives of imperial ambitions.
The Scramble for Africa
The emergence of the Congo Free State under King Leopold II showcased the atrocities committed during colonization, marking this era as one of exploitation, greed, and conflict.
The maps we explored tonight detail how imperialism reshaped global power dynamics, with varying degrees of impact on colonies and indigenous populations. The resistance to colonization was also profound, with notable instances such as Menelik II’s triumph over Italian forces in the Battle of Adwa in 1896, preserving Ethiopia’s independence.
As we conclude this exploration through maps of imperialism, let us reflect on the significance of these historical narratives. Thank you for joining me tonight. If you enjoy this type of content, consider subscribing! Our next video will take us into East Asia, where we’ll examine the developments surrounding China and Japan.
I hope you found this read-through relaxing and educational. Have a wonderful night!
Keywords
- Imperialism
- Colonization
- British Empire
- Russia
- Africa
- Scramble for Africa
- Resistance
- Menelik II
- East Asia
FAQ
What is the main theme of the article? The main theme revolves around maps depicting imperialism and colonization, focusing on the British Empire, Russia, and Africa from the 19th century to the 20th century.
What regions are covered in the maps discussed? The maps cover South Asia, East and Southeast Asia, Africa, and detail the events leading to the Spanish-American War.
Who was King Leopold II and what did he do? King Leopold II of Belgium was responsible for the exploitation of the Congo Free State, leading to significant atrocities during that era of imperialism.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Adwa? Emperor Menelik II successfully defeated Italian forces, securing Ethiopia's independence and highlighting resistance against colonization.
When will the next video on East Asia be released? The next video will be released two weeks from now, focusing on significant historical developments in China and Japan.