Direct and indirect control imperialism

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By: Dr. Aeron Delgadillo
Ph.D in making girls feel better about themselves

What is Direct and Indirect control?

Direct control of a colony would involve the country ruling a colony to appoint government officials to rule said colony. There are still African rulers, but only to help. The ruling government will take over, and improve the colonies laws, and legislation, to lean the power even further to themselves. To an extent, a divide and rule strategy. Major countries that practice direct control are: France, Germany, and Portugal, as well as Belgium. Indirect control is highly practiced by the British. This strategy has Britain ruling with an iron fist, oppressing the countries to rule for Britain, and supply a majority of its army and defenses, however still allow Britain to rule.

Why is indirect control bad?

Just as vital as it is to be a loved ruler, to have a colony, it’s a great idea to be on good terms with that colony. Rather than Britain ruling pretty much through force, under direct rule, we still allow native rulers to still have power. This also decreases our chances for resistance, for we are not entirely suppressing the peoples. Some may say with these new laws, that we are stripping them of their freedom, and liberty. However, if we were to Indirectly rule a colony, having a military suppression, and not letting those native rulers with rule us, I believe for the latter is direct control, especially when it comes to diplomacy. I myself believe that Britain will undergo much more conflict than we ever will in Africa, and fall.

Other forms of control?

Other forms of control do exist, a similar one to direct control, is settler rule. Settler rule has similar principles, and has the same “Divide and Rule” strategy to it. However, settler rule colonies have a large population of the ruling country’s population to it. People immigrate to this colony, and live there permanently. Rules are applied to this country to favor these immigrants, and to more harsh to the indigenous peoples.

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Map of the World, with Imperial France's Control.

Areas highlighted in a dark blue color are areas controlled by France.

Review Questions

1) What is the main difference between Direct and Indirect control?

Direct control would have the government ran by officials of the controlling country. If a colony is indirectly ruled, it is still ruled by the natives, but watched over, and still in control of the ruling country.

2) What countries/peoples ruled their colonies directly?
France, Germany, and Portugal, as well as Belgium.

Bibliography

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