Aim: What factors led to the new imperialism of the 1800’s? Do Now: Who does the octopus represent? Why is the octopus grabbing the pieces of land?

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

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

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

New European countries like Belgium, Coach Smith 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.

There were many reasons for this renewed interest in conquest and Coach Smith 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.

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

Nationalism was a motive. Europeans Coach Smith Nationalism was a motive. Europeans wanted colonies to demonstrate their power.

European countries also wanted to preserve the balance of power among Coach Smith 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.

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

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

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

While Europeans profited from imperialism, conquered peoples Coach Smith While Europeans profited from imperialism, conquered peoples suffered greatly.

Questions for Reflection: Coach Smith 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?