European intervention

Definition

European intervention refers to the actions taken by European powers to influence or control regions outside of Europe, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This often involved military, political, or economic measures aimed at expanding their influence, securing resources, or stabilizing their interests in various territories undergoing state-led industrialization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. European intervention was often justified by the belief in the civilizing mission, which posited that European powers had a duty to bring 'progress' to 'backward' regions.
2. This intervention frequently led to the exploitation of local resources and labor, resulting in economic dependency for the regions affected.
3. The scramble for Africa in the late 19th century exemplified aggressive European intervention as nations competed for control over African territories and their resources.
4. European powers used intervention not only for territorial expansion but also to suppress uprisings and maintain order in regions experiencing rapid industrialization and social change.
5. The effects of European intervention often included significant social disruption, cultural changes, and long-lasting impacts on governance structures in the affected regions.

Review Questions

• How did European intervention impact the political landscape of regions undergoing state-led industrialization?
  • European intervention significantly altered the political landscape of many regions undergoing state-led industrialization by imposing new governance structures and eroding traditional authority. Colonial administrations replaced local rulers, leading to a loss of sovereignty for many nations. Additionally, European powers often established protectorates or direct rule, which transformed political dynamics and created dependency on European states.
• Evaluate the consequences of European intervention on local economies during the age of industrialization.
  • The consequences of European intervention on local economies were profound, as it often resulted in the extraction of resources for European benefit while stifling local industries. Many regions became economically dependent on exports of raw materials, undermining their ability to develop independent economic systems. The introduction of cash crops and resource extraction led to shifts in agricultural practices that disrupted traditional livelihoods and contributed to social unrest.
• Assess the long-term effects of European intervention on contemporary global relationships and international politics.
  • The long-term effects of European intervention have left a complex legacy in contemporary global relationships and international politics. Many nations affected by colonialism struggle with issues related to economic inequality, political instability, and cultural identity rooted in their histories of foreign domination. These historical interventions have influenced modern diplomatic relations, as former colonial powers often grapple with their roles in addressing inequalities while newly independent nations seek to assert their sovereignty and redefine their place in the global arena.

Related terms

Imperialism:

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means, often associated with European nations during the era of state-led industrialization.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, where a nation establishes control over foreign territories and their peoples for economic exploitation and resource extraction.

Economic imperialism: A form of imperialism where a foreign power exerts control over a region's economy, often through investments, trade agreements, or ownership of key resources.