Imperialism the domination by one country of the political, economic or cultural life of another country or region.

Reasons for its spread From 1870 to 1914: strong economies due to the Industrial Revolution, strong central governments, and a sense of superiority amongst European nations (Social Darwinism). Economy: Need for raw materials (rubber, petroleum, manganese, palm oil), markets for finished goods, and places to invest capital. Political and Military: Needed places and materials to re- supply ships. Prestige and a limit on the territory controlled by one’s enemies. Humanitarian: “White Man’s Burden”- doctors, missionaries, officials. Social Darwinism- the belief that Whites are the superior race and must impose their ways on all others.

Why didn’t they other places fight back? 1. Their empires were in decline at that time- Ottoman Empire in Middle East, Mughal India, Qing China, West African kingdoms. 2. Europeans had better weapons (Maxim Machine gun, repeating rifles, and steam warships); also had medicines to help them survive in tropical climates where they couldn’t before. 3. some places tried but weren’t very successful- it did lead to independence movements later on.

Forms of Imperialism: colonies: direct- sent French officials to rule the new land; enforce their culture. b. indirect- British used local officials, but had their children educated in England. 2. Protectorates: use of local officials who follow orders from the colonial power- esp. trade and missionaries. - cost less to run than a colony and didn’t require direct military support. 3. spheres of influence: economic imperialism- the area of a country (China) can ONLY trade with a certain European power. - Latin America was a US sphere of influence.

Spreading Christianity was still important.

Effects of Imperialism The majority of changes were enforced from the Europeans (and Americans) to the subject nations of Asia, Latin America, and Africa Economic to social changes: The natural resources from colonies were developed in mines and on plantations-> they were paid in wages (cash economy instead of barter)-> people purchased food which they used to grow, and finished goods which they could no longer make themselves (cloth in India)->colonial economies were dependent on the global market for their goods-> people were taxed to pay for colonial government-> didn’t make enough money to support their families-> families were split up as men or daughters were sent off to work elsewhere-> traditional life and values eroded.

Effects of Imperialism Economic benefits: The colonial powers set up the modern banking system and brought technology and communication and transportation systems.

Effects of Imperialism Cultural Impact: “modernization= westernization”- people began to devalue their own traditions and culture. - began to speak, dress, educate, and act “western” to succeed. - some people still resisted Westernization and kept to traditional lifestyles. education, medicine, religion- brought by missionaries (converted or blended), trained people for jobs, increased life expectancy, but undermined local teachers and healers. Western society increased its reliance on nonwestern goods, became aware of its history and literature, adopted some of its fashions and music.

Effects of Imperialism Political Impact: The colonial powers forcibly brought together many historically warring groups, leading to relative stability. Eventually the educated children of the Non-westerners would develop nationalism and call for independence, which competed with the increasing hostility between European powers over claims for colonies-> this would be a major factor in the outbreak of WWI.

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