The Motives for Imperialism Lecture #13

I. What is Imperialism? When a stronger nation dominates a weaker nation politically, socially and economically Europe is guilty of imperializing other areas of the world, including: Africa Asia The Americas Australia

II. Why do countries imperialize? It comes down to more than land, people and money There are many reasons for a stronger nation to imperialize a weaker nation Economic motives Political & Military motives Humanitarian and Religious motives Not everyone agreed with these reasons The people that were being conquered Criticism from people at home in Europe

III. Economic Motives Manufacturers want access to natural resources Rubber Petroleum Manganese (steel) Palm oil (for machinery) New markets to sell goods to Bankers seek ventures for their profits Colonies are a good outlet for over crowding

IV. Political & Military Motives Seize harbors and islands as ports for navy vessels World ships need to gather supplies for home Lands “grabbed up” or acquired to stop other nations from expanding too much National security Increase in national pride and power

Result of the Berlin Conference in 1884

V. Humanitarian and Religious Goals Paternalism; “little brothers” Missionaries, doctors, and colonial officials believed they had a duty to spread what they saw as the blessings of Western civilization Medicine Law Christian religion

VI. Why did Europe think it was okay to imperialize other countries? Social Darwinism Applied Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies. European races were superior Domination of weaker races was nature’s way of improving the human species Racism The belief that one race is superior to another

VII. Resisting Imperialism Some people fought against the invaders Despite difference in weapons Reforming traditions Expelling westerners from their boundaries

VIII. Criticism at Home Tool of the rich Immoral Imposition of undemocratic rules on other peoples

Checking for Understanding Complete this on a separate sheet of paper for a grade! Write both the question and the answer! What is the meaning of imperialism? What does it mean to you? Which areas of the world was Europe guilty of imperializing? How does racism relate to imperialism? What does a stronger nation get when they imperialize a weaker nation (both economic and political motives)? Did everyone agree with imperialism? Why or why not?