Motives For Imperialism

ESSENTIAL QUESTION What is the underlying theme of all of the major reasons for the new era of Imperialism?

Political & Military Imperialism Desire to gain power Compete with other European countries Expand territory Exercise military force Gain prestige by winning colonies Boost national pride and security “Ten thousand miles from tip to tip”

Economic Imperialism Desire to make money Expand and control foreign trade Create new markets Acquire raw materials and cheap labor Compete for investments and resources Export industrial technology and transportation methods

Humanitarian & Religious Imperialism Desire to spread Christianity Protect European missionaries Spread European values and moral beliefs To educate people End slave trade The “White Man’s Burden”

Ideological Imperialism White race is “superior: Other cultures are “primitive” Desire to “civilize” other peoples Great nations have great empires Only the strongest will survive (Social Darwinism)