“New” Imperialism:1800 -1914 Causes

Technological Causes: New Imperialism Economic Causes: Need for natural resources Expansion of markets European economies strengthened by the Industrial Revolution Political Causes Increased European nationalism Prestige of global empire Strong, centralized European nations Global naval bases needed to support merchants (gas stations) Social Causes: Desire to spread Christianity and Western Civilization Social Darwinism (see later slide) Technological Causes: Industrial Revolution brought improvement in weapons and transportation Improvements in medicine

In the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution and the rise of nationalism in Europe created the New Imperialism. Imperialism is the political, economic or cultural domination of one area by another country Imperialism is a foreign policy where a country creates an empire with colonies. What is Imperialism?

When? 19th century 1914 –WWI begins 1945 – Age of De- Colonization begins at the end of WWII When?

Where? Imperialist Powers: “Victims” of Imperialism (colonies) England (Great Britain,UK) France Belgium Germany* Japan* US** *Latecomers to “The Great Game” **US focused on the Pacific and Caribbean Africa Asia: China Southeast Asia (including Indonesia) Indian subcontinent Pacific Islands Where?

There were political, economic and technological reasons (see 1st slide) Social Cause? Social Darwinism and Racism played a big role…. Why?

Darwin never approved of it… Europeans believed: Social Darwinism was a false application of biology (Darwin) to social science Darwin never approved of it… Europeans believed: People in a society must compete for survival. The strong survive. Prosperty was a sign of fitness. The rich were naturally superior. The weak were unfit. Poverty was a sign of being unfit. The poor were naturally inferior. Why some countries were rich and some were poor: There were Superior Races (the British) There were Inferior Races (the British colonies). Racial Superiority / Cultural Superiority Racial superiority encouraged imperialism Cultural superiority encouraged imperialism. The Europeans regarded themselves as culturally superior to the people of Africa and Asia. Humanitarianism

Humanitarianism: Humanitarians argued that it was Europe’s noble duty to uplift and enlighten the backward peoples. Rudyard Kipling wrote about this in his poem, “Take up the White Man’s Burden.” Religion: The Missionary Impulse Christianity is superior to all other religions. It is the duty of a Christian missionary to spread Christianity to Asia and Africa. Moral Issues: Christianity: All people are equal in God’s eyes. Social Darwinism: “We” are superior and “They” are inferior.

Forms of Imperial Control Form of Control Define: Where? Why? By Whom? Colonies Direct: Indirect: Protectorate Sphere of Influence Forms of Imperial Control