3.2.1 Summary

3 Things I Learned

1. I never knew about the importance of the Suez Canal in navigation as well as trade. It is massive.

2. I learned more about imperialist views of the United States through political cartoons. I never knew how strong some artists and citizens felt about US involvment in other countries.

3. I also learned more about Louis and Clark, how they got picked for the expedition and some of the things they found and documented along the way.

2 Things I Found Interesting

1. I thought it interesting that the British let so many sepoys incharge before the rebellion took place.

2. It was also interesting to me that Mubarak was able to stay in power for so long.

1 Question I Still Have

1. How were the British able to crush the Sepoy Rebellion?

Spotlight on the Suez Canal

The Suez Canal has played a very important role in transportation, the shipment of goods and trade. The management of the Canal today is fully Egyptian. It is operated completely by the SCA, the Suez Canal Authority. This canal is highly important in international trade and navigation. It is the first canal connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It is the shorted link between the east and the west, making it a very important water route. It is especially important to Egypt as well as the rest of the world. 80% of the world's trade is done by waterways, making this canal essential. It is the fastest, most efficient route. It is open for use day and night, and is in use extensively.

A Current Uprising

A very serious and highly revolutionary and publicized uprising in the world today is that of Egypt's revolution. So many regions of the world are now revolting and calling for change, it is truly amazing. Egypt is no different. Demonstrations began January 25 of this year. Massive protests, rallies and demonstrations have recently enveloped the streets of Cairo, calling for radical change and their president, Hosni Mubarak's, resignation. He resigned February 11th. Mubarak's 30 year regime has fallen. Egypt's attorney general is currently in charge of the government. Thousands of people the past week have protested, calling for the reforms they demand. They want an end to emergency law and their political prisoners to be released. Most of all, they desire representation in their government. It is said that Tunisia's revolution was the spark of Egypt's. Nevertheless, it had been clear that and uprising was coming for some time. The reasons for unrest arose from problems such as police corruption, Mubarak's long reign, no free elections, high food prices, high unemployment and low wages. So far, it is difficult to say how successful this revolution is going to be. It very much seems like the people are willing to fight until it is. They have already succeeded in riding the country of Mubarak's rule and that of his Vice President. Hopefully they will be able to continue on their path towards a government for and by the people.

The Sepoy Rebellion

The Sepoy Rebellion in India in 1857, is on of the most famous and important uprisings of European colony during the age of new imperialism. Sepoys were native citizens recruited as troops for the British Army in India. These Indians were trained to fight and use British weapons. It soon came to be that sepoys became the largest force for Britain in India. They greatly outnumbered the British soldiers. Small revolts occured before the rebellion of 1857, but were easily and brutaly suppressed. Tension began to rise between the sepoy and British soldiers. When new guns were issued with cartrages greased in cow or pig fat, the Muslim and Hindu sepoys became greatly angered and turned on the British. Cartritages needed to bit off before use and it was an outrage that either the fat of the Hindu's sacred cow or the Muslim's unclean pig would be used to grease them. The rebellion lasted until 1858 when the British crushed the forces and implemented direct control over India. The revolt was unsuccessful, but have been said to be used as inspiration to later Indian fighter for freedom and independence.

Two US Events

An important US event during Europe's New Imperialism was the Louisiana Purchase. This event is significant it both French and US history. Napoleon Bonaparte sold the region to the US on April 30, 1803 for $15 million. Thomas Jefferson was President at the time and although such a treaty and purchase was a possible violation of the Constitution, Jefferson and Congress simply could not pass the opportunity by. The purchase doubled the US in size, giving it open land for settlement and free navigation of the Mississippi River.

Why would Napoleon give up such a chunk of land? Simply, he had no use for it after he knew for sure Hispaniola was lost to the French Empire. His plans for the territory were that it was meant as a food and trade center to supply Hispaniola with. After his defeat on the island, and his desperate need for funds for his European wars, he was eager to sell the land to the US.

This purchase can be compared to the expansion of the the British Empire at this time due to imperialism. The empire under Queen Victoria, more than doubling the country in size, became so large that it was said "the sun never set on the British Empire."

Another important US event during this time period and not long after the Louisiana Purchase is the Expedition of Louis and Clark. President Jefferson sent his personal secretary, Meriwether Lewis on the expedition to explore the new territory purchased from Napoleon. Jefferson hoped that he would find a water route connecting the Missouri River to the Columbia. His idea was that it would then connect the Pacific to the Mississippi, open a new market system. Lewis chose William Clark to go on the expedition with him. Their trip began in the summer of 1804 and ended in September 1806. Together they visited areas only ever lived on by Native Americans. They recorded landmarks and creatures, made maps and set up good relations with the Native Americans. Their trip was a great success.

These two men can be compared to the David Livingstone and his travels through Africa. Like Louis and Clark, Livingstone set out on a specific mission. On his expeditions through Africa he became the first European to see Victoria Falls, to cross southern Africa and to discover many rivers. He learned the customs of many African tribes, much like Lewis and Clark and the Native Americans. He also was lost on the continent, once again similar to Lewis and Clark who were take for dead after the first year they were away. In many ways, these explorers both had significant impacts on the lands they traveled and the countries they traveled them for.

US Imperialism

I believe the United States can be seen as being imperialistic today and that is has been in the past. The war in Iraq is an example of current US imperialistic tactics. Although I do not believe the US desires to take control of Iraq, we are still trying to implement our ideas of democracy onto its citizens. I think it would be different if the people were calling directly for democracy. They are better of without Saddam, but are they ready to accept democracy? Can in be successfully implemented? Should it be? Because of these questions, the US can be looked upon as using imperialistic tactics in Iraq.

Nevertheless, there are always two sides to an argument. Here are some of the pros and cons of this one.

Pros:
-The US is trying to change a centuries old government into what we think to be a better system.
-The US gives off the idea that because we are a superpower we know better than all other countries.
- US factories are mainly located in third world countries as exploiting sweatshops.

Cons:
-The US acts out of a sense of duty towards liberty and justice by bringing democracy to other regions of the world.
-The US only desires to enlighten all parts of the world and make it a better place, not conquer it.
-The US has been present in different countries for the purpose of keeping away threats of communism and other unfavorable influences.

One Current Political Cartoon

This image describes the ugly opinion of US imperialism. Uncle Sam is depicted as conquering the world and claiming many of its regions. the world map is shown with stakes sticking out of continents and countries with Uncle Sam's image on the top end of each one. His face is a snarling one with dramatic shadowing, furrowing eyebrows and bared teeth. Images of people rioting are seen along the bottom of the map. This artist is very much against US imperialism, showing the nation as controlling, cruel and greedy. The rioting people express the idea of common disgust for the US "helping" influence.

My reaction to this work was at first one of surprise. The US has been accused of being nosy and imperialistic before, but I feel this has taken it to the extreme. Nevertheless, I can respect its dramatic impact and message. Messages often times do not get clearly across unless they are bold, blunt and in your face. This work succeeds on those levels.