The Age of Imperialism 1850-1914

Imperialism The domination by one country of the political, economic, and social life of another country.

Old Imperialism vs. New Imperialism Europe Colonies in the Americas, India, Southeast Asia, & Coasts of Africa and China New Imperialism US, Europe, & Japan Colonies in Asia and Africa

Causes of Imperialism Nationalism Social Darwinism Military Economic “White Man’s Burden”

Nationalism European nations wanted to demonstrate their superiority. The more weaker countries taken over the more powerful the nation appeared. Colonies give nations prestige or “bragging rights”.

Social Darwinism The belief that all human groups compete for survival, and that the stronger groups will replace the weaker groups. Darwin’s theory of evolution = “survival of the fittest”. It is only natural that strong nations should dominate weaker nations. This is applied to society as a justification of imperialism.

Military Need for naval bases and places to refuel merchant ships. More colonies = More power and security More bases allow nations to use force in more different places and protect merchant ships. Balance of Power!

Economic Industrial Revolution creates need for large amounts of raw materials. New markets for finished goods. New places to invest profits.

White Man’s Burden Poem by Rudyard Kipling written in 1899. Native population viewed as “heathen savages” who needed to be civilized. The goal was to bring Western culture, education, and religion to the conquered people.

“The White Man’s Burden” Take up the White Man’s burden-- Send forth the best ye breed-- Go, bind your sons to exile To serve your captives’ need; To wait, in heavy harness, On fluttered folk and wild-- Your new-caught sullen peoples, Half devil and half child.

Imperialism WHAT: The domination by one country of the political, economic, and social life of another country. WHO: Portugal, England, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, The Dutch, & Belgium WHERE: Africa, India, & Asia WHY: Resources, markets for finished products, nationalism, racism, & missionary impulse WHEN: 1850-1914

Imperialism HOW: Advanced European technology such as the Maxim gun (Machine gun), the telegraph, the steamship, the railroad, & quinine. African tribalism & and the many different African cultures, languages, and ethnicities created divisions among the Africans that European powers exploited (took advantage of)