The Causes of Imperialism In this lesson, students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: Imperialism Causes of Imperialism Social Darwinism Balance of Power E. Napp

Imperialism refers to the political and economic control of one area or country by another. E. Napp

Nationalism in Europe led to a renewed interest in expansion. Europeans conquered land in Asia and Africa between 1870 and 1900. E. Napp

Despite the independence of the United States and Latin America, European imperialism continued in Africa and Asia. E. Napp

New European countries like Belgium, Germany, and Italy wanted colonies. In this photograph, an African is holding a severed hand. In the Belgian Congo, if an African did not supply enough rubber, his hand was cut off. E. Napp

There were many reasons for this renewed interest in conquest and imperialism. New technology – such as steamships, rifles, telegraphs, and better medicines- made it possible to conquer the African and Asian interiors. E. Napp

There were economic motives for Imperialism. Europeans needed cheap raw materials to keep their factories busy. E. Napp

Nationalism was a motive. Europeans wanted colonies to demonstrate their power. E. Napp

European countries also wanted to preserve the balance of power among themselves. When one country acquired a colony, other countries felt the same was necessary. E. Napp

Many Europeans believed in Social Darwinism. Social Darwinism was the belief that some societies were more successful because their cultures were superior. E. Napp

Some Europeans and Americans believed it was their responsibility to conquer and “improve” the conquered peoples’ cultures. E. Napp

As European imperialists “carved” up Asia and Africa, European missionaries journeyed to conquered lands to spread Christianity. E. Napp

While Europeans profited from imperialism, conquered peoples suffered greatly. E. Napp

Questions for Reflection: Define imperialism. What was an economic cause of imperialism? How did technology affect conquest? Why did nationalism contribute to imperialism? Why did Social Darwinism contribute to imperialism? E. Napp