Imperialism

What is imperialism? Imperialism: Domination by one country of the political, economic or cultural life of another country or region. Europe had gained power by the 1800s—led to aggressive expansionism

Causes for Imperialism Economic interests Industrial Rev. created needs that spurred overseas expansion Manufacturers wanted access to natural resources Political & Military interests Merchant ships needed bases around the world for coal & supplies To stop expansion of rival countries

Causes for Imperialism Humanitarian Goals Westerners felt concern for other places Missionaries, doctors, etc felt it was their duty to spread the “blessings” of western civilization Social Darwinism European races are superior to all others: imperialism is a way of improving the human species

Imperialism in Africa Competition by world powers for land & resources Berlin Conference- European powers met in Berlin to avoid bloodshed over Africa (NO African countries invited) European power could not claim any part of Africa unless it had set up government office there Rush for Africa is on: Europeans send officials to exert power over locals Europeans partitioned almost entire continent Redrew map of Africa w/ little regard for ethnic boundaries

Division of Africa Belgians exploited the riches of the Congo: copper, ivory, rubber France took a giant portion of Africa Britain took a smaller portion, but it was more heavily populated with many rich resources Zanzibar: Important British protectorate; vast resources

Africans Resist Imperialism Armed resistance across Africa Successful resistance: Ethiopia survives Ancient Christian kingdom Menelik II- modernized the country Resisted Italian invasion Only state besides Liberia to preserve its independence

Egypt Seeks to Modernize Egypt under British control Suez Canal- 100-mile waterway that links the Mediterranean and Red Seas Greatly shortened the sea route from Europe to South & East Asia “Lifeline to India”

StoryBoard On the paper provided, you will create a story about the emergence of imperialism. The idea is to be creative in telling me how and why imperialism started. You can also include information on Africa. Each box must contain a picture The lines underneath the box should be where the story is written and should correspond with the picture. Due tomorrow 