In the early 20th century, European powers had established a significant presence across the globe, with vast territories under their control. This period marked a high point in colonial expansion where European countries exerted their dominance over other continents, particularly Africa and Asia. The extent of this expansion was such that it reshaped the global political landscape, creating a patchwork of colonial possessions, protectorates, and semi-colonial regions.
Extent of European Colonial Rule in Asia
Asia, the largest continent on Earth, was largely under the influence of European powers by 1914. Of the 16,819,000 square miles in Asia, European countries ruled over 9,443,000 square miles. Russia controlled a vast expanse of 6,496,000 square miles, while the British Empire held sway over 1,998,000 square miles. The Dutch East Indies accounted for 587,000 square miles, French Indochina for 248,000 square miles, and the Philippines, under the United States, covered 114,000 square miles. Germany’s colonial holdings were relatively minor, with only 193 square miles. This distribution of territories highlights the extent of European influence and the geopolitical interests that shaped the continent.
Africa’s Colonial Status and Exceptions
The entire African continent, with the notable exceptions of Liberia and Ethiopia, fell under European colonial rule. These two independent nations stood out as unique cases amidst a continent otherwise carved up by foreign powers. Liberia had been established by the United States as a colony for freed African-American slaves, and it maintained its independence throughout the colonial period. Ethiopia, on the other hand, successfully resisted Italian colonization during the First Italo-Ethiopian War, securing its sovereignty. The rest of Africa, however, was not so fortunate and was divided among European rulers who exploited its resources and people.
Japan’s Independence and Contrast with European Colonies
Japan, in stark contrast to its Asian neighbors, remained an independent nation in 1914. Covering an area of 161,000 square miles, Japan had managed to avoid colonization and even became an imperial power itself, notably after its victory in the Russo-Japanese War. This status as an independent Asian nation set Japan apart from other countries in the region that were either under direct European control or influenced by European powers.
Semi-Colonial Nations and European Dominance
While some nations were outright colonies, others existed in a semi-colonial state. These included large empires such as China and the Ottoman Empire, as well as smaller states like Iran, Afghanistan, and Nepal. Although these countries retained nominal political independence, they were heavily influenced by European economic and military might. The semblance of sovereignty was often due to the inability of European powers to agree upon a method for their partitioning, rather than any genuine autonomy of these semi-colonial states.
Global Impact of European Expansion
By 1914, nearly the entire world was under the influence of European nations. This marked the culmination of a centuries-long process of exploration, conquest, and colonization that began with the Portuguese navigation along the African coast. The global reach of Europe had profound implications for the cultures, economies, and political systems of the affected regions, leading to a legacy that would shape international relations and global history for years to come.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the concept of ‘balance of power’ among European nations influence the political independence of semi-colonial countries in the early 20th century?
2. In what ways did the resistance of countries like Ethiopia and the rise of Japan challenge the prevailing trend of European colonization?
3. What were the long-term impacts of European colonization on the socio-economic development of Asia and Africa?