Summary

• I learned the four forms of imperialism and how each of them works.
• I learned about inventions and innovations of this time period.
• I learned about the division of Africa and how imperialism dominated the continent

Two things I found interesting was the successful resistance that Ethiopia put up against Italy and the Italian forces and how Africa was split up among European nations.

One question I still have is why didn't Africa fight off the European nation and the country would remained independent.

Gandhi Quote

"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." -Mohandas Gandhi

Gandhi is saying here that if we always try and get revenge or try and get back at someone, then all it essentially does is gets us no where; We can never grow and move towards peace if people don't try and make that change.

I think this quote is one of his best quotes. I feel that the overall message is strong and it makes sense. The only way to get peace is not by taking up revenge because that will only leave both parties at fault and it will never get you anywhere. You have to be the bigger man and you have to handle the situation without violence.

Suez Canal

The Suez Canal runs through the Isthmus of Suez and connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Today the canal is controlled by Egypt and about 50 ships travel through the canal each day. The unique geographical position of the Suez Canal makes it of special importance to the world. Saving in distance, time, and in operating costs for vessels that transit the Canal, also firm up this importance. The canal lets goods to be transported in a faster and more fuel saving way.

Ethiopia: A Successful Resistance

Ethiopia lead the only successful resistance movement against the Europeans. Menelik II was the emperor of Ethipoia. He got Ethiopia into good terms with the Italians, French, and the British because he had put those nations against one another because all three were trying to bring Ethiopia into their Sphere of Influence. Menelik II bought modern weapons from the Russians and the French and he had built up a large army. Menelik II had to devised a way to keep good peace with the Italians for he didn't have to worry about them coming in and trying to take over Ethiopia. He had drawn up a treaty that he was going to make with the Italians but he quickly took it back when there was a mix up in wording between the Ethiopian language and the Italian language. Italians then claimed Ethiopia as a protectorate and began to come into northern Ethiopia. Menelik II waged war with the Italians and successfully defeated them in 1896 in the Battle of Adowa.

Empire Control Over Colony

An empire could take over another land or region and take it in as their own colony by simply claiming that land and proving they could control the area. The empire would govern internally and control everything that goes on in that colony.Somaliland in East Africa was a French colony. Great Britain also used imperialism to rule Nigeria as their colony. An empire would totally strip a colony of it's powers or leave them with so little power that they weren't even the same culturally anymore. This would lead to African resistance and revolts.

There were positive and negative effects of Imperialism. Imperialistic nations built roads, canals, and railways in the countries they were taking over. They incorporated the telegraph, newspaper, established schools, and made them economized. They were part of modern culture after this occurred.  Another positive effect is  improved medical care, and better methods of sanitation.  There were new crops, tools and farming methods, which helped increase food production. These changes meant less death to smaller colonies, and overall improve the state of living.
Imperialism brought on negative effects as well. There were four forms of Imperialism; Colony, Protectorate, Sphere of Influence, and Economic Imperialism which all resulted in loss of cultural customs that the country had done up until the time they were taking over. Imperialism led to uprisings and violence. Imperialism also  weakened the economy of the country that is being taken over.

Advancement in science

An advancement in science during this time period was The Germ Theory of Disease. It was developed in the mid-1800's by Louis Pasteur. He found that heat killed germs. This led to the process of pasteurization to kill germs in liquids such as milk. Pasteur realized that bacteria caused diseases. Pasteur's Germ Theory led to more breakthrough's in science that led to more lives to be saved when the paitent had wounds. It also led to more cleanliness in public areas and especially in hospitals.