Overseas Expansion and the Colonial Rivalry Between Britain and France
Chapter – 11
Table of Contents
- The global expansion of trade and conquests by European powers marked the beginning of modern colonialism.
- Pre-capitalist colonialism focused on the direct extraction of tribute from subjects through political control.
- As industrialization rose, the focus shifted to economic gain through colonial trade.
- Mercantilist ideas emphasized the importance of colonies for state building, leading to a rivalry among European powers in the 17th century.
- Britain and France emerged as strong colonial powers in the 18th century, leading to intermittent wars until Napoleon’s defeat in 1815.
- The Atlantic coast countries benefited significantly from colonial trade.
- Colonies played a key role in mercantilist ideas, serving as a source of raw materials and profits as well as a market for finished products.
- The concept and importance of colonies evolved with changes from pre-industrial to industrial society.
- The colonies were integrated into the economic system of Britain, whereas France viewed its colonies more as sources of profit.
- British regulations like the Navigation Code aimed to control colonial trade and promote the English Navy.
- Economic thinkers like Adam Smith criticized mercantilism, advocating new economic ideas such as laissez-faire.
- Colonies were used for profit, and their importance was determined by potential new products, native population demand, trade volume, and geographical location.
- Slavery played a significant role, particularly in the Caribbean, where the plantation economy depended on the slave trade.
- Economic thinkers focused on economic liberty and criticized mercantilism but didn’t apply these ideas to colonial affairs.
- The Dutch initially dominated colonial trade and emerged as a commercial power, but their decline began in 1651 due to conflicts with the English and French.
- By the 18th century, Britain and France became the main contenders for colonial supremacy, leading to prolonged conflicts.
- Treaties like the Treaty of Utrecht and the Treaty of Versailles influenced colonial control and territorial acquisitions.
- The rivalry between Britain and France continued into the late 18th century, with events like the American War of Independence and the French Revolution intensifying the competition for colonies.