Colonialism in Latin America, Asia and Africa — Important Questions

15 to 20 million

According to the chapter, about 15 to 20 million African slaves were forcibly transported to America under extremely inhuman conditions. These people were captured from the interiors of Africa by European traders and their agents, then sold to large landlords in America. They were forced to work on sugar cane farms, corn fields, tobacco fields, and cotton fields. This massive forced migration was one of the largest in human history and had devastating effects on both African societies and the enslaved people themselves.

James Monroe

President James Monroe of the United States formulated the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. This doctrine stated that no European power would be allowed to build colonies in the American continents, while the US would not interfere in European affairs or colonies in other continents. However, Monroe wasn't supporting freedom but asserting US interests in keeping European powers out of the Americas. Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln were other US presidents but had no connection to this doctrine.

Holland (Netherlands)

The Dutch (people of Holland/Netherlands) established direct rule over Indonesia in 1800 after disbanding the Dutch East India Company. Initially, the Dutch Company had conquered parts of Indonesia and forced locals to sell products cheaply. When the Dutch government faced financial crisis, it took direct control to use Indonesia as a revenue source. The government forced natives to deliver products like coffee, sugar, and spices as taxes, earning up to 25% of the Dutch government budget from these profits.

Opium Wars

The Opium Wars (1839-42 and 1857-58) were fought between China and England over the illegal smuggling of opium into China. The English encouraged Indian peasants to produce opium, which they smuggled into China to trade for silk and tea, avoiding payment in gold and silver. When China tried to stop this illegal trade, wars broke out. China's defeat led to unequal treaties that allowed unrestricted English trade in China and established English settlements with English laws on Chinese soil.