The Age of New Imperialism 1800-1914

Imperialism A policy where stronger nations dominate the political, economic, or cultural life of weaker nations. A new wave began in the 1800s. Original wave started back in the 1400s. Born out of the new industrial society of the 1800s. Countries were richer and more powerful.

Map of Colonial Empires in 1914

Causes Economic Interests Political/Military Interests Humanitarian/Religious Goals Social Darwinism

Economic Interests The Industrial Revolution Industrialized countries needed natural resources Ex: rubber, petroleum, manganese for steel, palm oil for machinery Also wanted new markets to sell factory goods to Colonies were valuable outlets for overpopulation in home countries

Empire Emigrants Finished Goods Colony Raw Materials

Political/Military Interests IN’s needed naval bases around the world Seized islands and harbors Competition/maintaining balance of power Empire = prestige and greatness Ex: when France got colonies in West Africa, GB and Germany did too to prevent France from becoming too powerful

Humanitarian/Religious Goals Many Westerners believed they had a moral duty to spread their “superior” way of life Western technology, law, medicine, education Also felt they needed to “Christianize” the “barbarians” in other parts of the world. It was very ethnocentric…but…many well-meaning missionaries and doctors accompanied the imperialists Two arguments: western advances did benefit natives; natives were denied their culture

Social Darwinism Imperialism was based on feelings of racial superiority; this theory justified colonies. Racism: the belief that one race is superior to others Social Darwinists applied Charles Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies. Imperialism was nature’s way of improving the human race.

What made imperialism possible? Weakness of conquered areas Africa weak because of slave trade Lack of weapons/technology Western strengths and advantages Strong economies and governments Powerful armies and navies Superior technology Steam-powered ships, Maxim machine gun (1889), repeating rifles, the telegraph, quinine

Forms of Imperialism Colony – direct control, most intrusive Protectorate – local rulers left in place, but still under control of European advisors Sphere of influence – exclusive investment or trading privileges Economic Imperialism – most politically independent, but ldc’s indirectly controlled by large businesses