The Global Hierarchy at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century

Overview

By 1900, Europe had become the center of a global hierarchy where it exerted dominance over other continents through its economic and military power. This period saw Europeans distinguishing themselves by consuming an increasing share of the world’s resources while also exploiting colonial territories for wealth. The industrial revolution, which began in Britain during the late 18th century, had transformed Europe into a powerhouse that could continually expand its influence.

Context

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were characterized by rapid industrial growth and technological advancements in Europe, creating a stark divide between the continent and other regions. The industrial revolution led to significant economic and social changes within Europe itself, while colonial expansion facilitated the exploitation of resources from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This era also saw the rise of imperialism as European powers sought to extend their control over foreign territories for strategic and economic benefits.

Timeline

• 1750: The start of the Industrial Revolution in Britain with advancements in steam power and manufacturing.
• 1824: Britain lifts remaining bans on machinery exports, accelerating industrial growth worldwide but maintaining a lead.
• 1869: Completion of the Suez Canal, enhancing European access to Asian markets and resources.
• 1870s–1890s: Europe undergoes rapid urbanization and industrialization, increasing its global economic dominance.
• 1885: Berlin Conference establishes rules for dividing Africa among European powers, marking a peak in imperialism.
• 1890s: The Scramble for Africa intensifies as European nations compete to control territory rich in natural resources like rubber and oil.
• 1900: Europe is the undisputed economic leader, with its industries and technologies shaping global trade patterns.

Key Terms and Concepts

Industrial Revolution

The period starting in Britain around 1750 marked by rapid technological advancements and industrial growth. It led to significant changes in manufacturing processes and societal structures across Europe and later the world.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country’s power or influence through colonization, use of military force, and economic dominance over other territories.

Colonial Exploitation

The extraction of resources from colonies by colonizing powers for their own benefit, often at the expense of local populations’ welfare and development.

Global Hierarchy

A system in which certain nations hold superior positions over others due to differences in power, wealth, technology, and control over global trade and resources.

Industrial Civilization

A society characterized by heavy reliance on industrial processes and technologies for economic activities and societal organization.

Urbanization

The process of increasing population concentration in urban areas as a result of industrial growth and economic development.

Key Figures and Groups

King Leopold II of Belgium Leader who used his personal influence to establish the Congo Free State, exploiting its resources through brutal methods that led to significant human rights abuses.

Winston Churchill British statesman involved in colonial policy-making during the early 20th century, advocating for British imperialism and resource exploitation.

Victor Hugo French author critical of European colonial policies, highlighting their negative impacts on colonized societies.

European Peasants Benefited from lower prices due to industrial growth and international trade but remained relatively poor compared to urban workers and elites.

Mechanisms and Processes

-> Industrial Revolution -> Technological Advancements in Manufacturing -> Increased Economic Power for Europe -> Exploitation of Colonial Resources -> Enrichment of European Economies
This sequence demonstrates how technological innovations led to economic dominance, enabling Europeans to exploit colonial resources and further enrich their own economies.

Deep Background

The roots of the 1900 global hierarchy can be traced back to earlier developments such as the Age of Discovery, which began in the late 15th century. European explorers like Christopher Columbus opened up new trade routes and lands, setting the stage for colonial expansion. Over centuries, these initial explorations evolved into systematic exploitation facilitated by advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and later, steam power. The Industrial Revolution intensified this process, with Europe’s technological superiority enabling it to control vast territories and extract resources efficiently.

Explanation and Importance

By 1900, the world was deeply divided along lines of economic and political influence established through centuries of colonial expansion and industrial growth. Europeans used their economic might to secure dominance over other continents, leading to significant disparities in wealth and development. The global hierarchy created during this period had profound implications for international relations, trade dynamics, and social structures around the globe.

Comparative Insight

The situation in 1900 can be compared with the late 20th century when decolonization movements began reshaping power balances. While Europe dominated economically and politically in the early 1900s, by the mid-1950s to 1970s, many former colonies gained independence, challenging Europe’s supremacy.

Extended Analysis

Economic Dominance

The economic might of Europe was built on its industrial prowess and technological leadership. This dominance allowed it to exploit resources from overseas territories and maintain control over global trade networks.

Technological Superiority

Advancements in technology such as steam power and later electricity enabled Europeans to not only revolutionize their own industries but also dominate other regions technologically, facilitating colonial exploitation.

Social Impacts

While industrialization brought wealth and improved living standards for some segments of European society, it also exacerbated social inequalities both within Europe and across the global hierarchy.

Quiz

Open Thinking Questions

• How might global trade patterns have differed if colonial exploitation had been less prevalent in the 19th century?
• What role did technological advancements play in maintaining Europe’s economic dominance over other continents?
• Reflect on the long-term consequences of European industrialization and its impact on today’s world economy.

Conclusion

The global hierarchy established by 1900 represented a culmination of centuries of European expansion, technological innovation, and colonial exploitation. This period laid the groundwork for modern international relations and economic structures, setting Europe apart as the dominant force in the early twentieth century.