Syllabus Readings, Notes, Websites

Depth Study

Unit One: Why did Europeans take over much of the world in the nineteenth century?

The extent of imperialism by the start of the 19th century, and how much it spread during the century. The nature of imperialism: social, political, military, economic and religious reasons for imperialism. European attitudes towards imperialism, and towards non-European race.

Imperialism Intro Readings

Unit Two: What was the nature and impact of nineteenth-century imperialism in China?

Chinese society and attitudes towards foreigners before c.1840. The causes and results of the Opium Wars. The actions of the Western powers in China and the role of the missionaries. The Self- Strengthening Movement. The Sino-Japanese war and its consequences for China. The significance of the Boxer rising. The impact of western intervention on Chinese society and culture.

2 centuries: china

Imperialism China Readings

Unit Three: What was the nature and impact of nineteenth-century imperialism in India?

Indian society, religions and culture under British rule in the first half of the 19th century. The impact of Bentinck and Dalhousie. The causes of the Mutiny of 1857 and reasons for its failure. The immediate and long-term effects of the Mutiny. Changes in the nature of British rule.

India Readings (Gedling)

India Readings (Faught)

Unit Four: What was the nature and impact of nineteenth-century imperialism in Africa?

Different reasons for European interest in Africa. The scramble for Africa and the Berlin Conference. Direct and indirect rule. The effects of European rule on Africans. The impact of Imperialism in Africa for Europeans; colonial rivalry and trade.

Great site for historical country research 1815-1918

Map of Europe