Imperial Expansion and Great Power Cooperation pre-1914
TITLE
‘Imperial expansion created more cooperation than conflict between the Great Powers before 1914.
ESSAY
In assessing the statement that "Imperial expansion created more cooperation than conflict between the Great Powers before 1914," it is important to consider both the instances of conflict and cooperation that arose as a result of overseas expansion. While there were certainly points of tension and rivalry among the Great Powers, there were also significant examples of cooperation that facilitated diplomacy and peaceful resolutions to disputes.
Conflict played a significant role in the interactions between Great Powers during the period of imperial expansion. Anglo-French competition was a key source of conflict, particularly over territories in Africa and Asia. The Fashoda Incident in 1898, where British and French forces faced off in Sudan, demonstrated the potential for conflict arising from competing colonial ambitions. Similarly, the German support for the Boers during the Boer War strained relations between Britain and Germany, as seen in Kaiser Wilhelm II's telegram to Boer leader Paul Kruger. These tensions were further exacerbated by Germany's ambitions for colonial expansion and the two Moroccan crises, which brought the European alliance system to the brink of conflict.
However, it is also important to acknowledge the instances of cooperation that emerged from imperial expansion. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, aimed at regulating colonial competition in Africa, provided a platform for the Great Powers to negotiate and establish guidelines for future territorial claims. The resolution of the Fashoda Incident between Britain and France paved the way for the Entente Cordiale in 1904, marking a significant shift towards cooperation and mutual understanding. Additionally, the Great Powers cooperated in response to challenges such as the Boxer Rebellion in China, demonstrating a shared interest in maintaining stability and order in the face of local uprisings.
Moreover, the diplomatic agreements such as the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of 1902 highlighted the potential for alliances and partnerships to mitigate conflicts and secure mutual interests in the context of imperial expansion.
In conclusion, while conflicts did arise as a result of imperial expansion, the Great Powers also demonstrated a capacity for cooperation and diplomatic resolutions to disputes. The balance between conflict and cooperation varied depending on the specific context and interests at play. Ultimately, the interactions between the Great Powers before 1914 were characterized by a complex interplay of competition and cooperation shaped by the dynamics of imperial expansion.
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**Imperial expansion created more cooperation than conflict between the Great Powers before 1914.’ How far do you agree?**
Indicative content: The response to this should demonstrate a balance between conflict and cooperation with regards to overseas expansion with a reasoned judgement to conclude.
**Conflict:** Anglo-French competition produced tension between the two throughout most of the late nineteenth century especially over Egypt and their competing plans to link territories across or down the continent culminating in confrontation at Fashoda. The British also came into conflict with Germany over German support for the Boers especially the Kaisers Kruger telegram. German under Wilhelm II set out in search for a ‘place in the sun’ which led to tension with existing colonial powers. This led to 2 Moroccan crises which also raised tensions by crystallising the two sides in the European alliance system.
**Cooperation:** Berlin Conference and Treaty 1884–5 settled a number of issues and set out clear parameters for future claims on territory on the African continent. Despite earlier conflict the British and French reached a settlement at Fashoda which paved the way for closer cooperation and the eventual Entente Cordiale. The powers were able to cooperate in China especially in response to the Boxer rebellion. The two confrontations in Morocco were both solved by negotiation. Candidates might also refer to the Anglo Japanese Treaty of 1902. Accept any other valid responses.