1. Economic Interests
The industrial revolution created the need for raw materials (rubber, petroleum, etc.) as well as expanded markets. Industrial nations were also looking for an outlet for their expanding populations!

2. Political and Military Interests
Steam-powered merchant ships and navies needed bases around the world to take on coal and supplies. Nationalism also contributed to the competition- the desire of having the biggest empire

3. Humanitarian Goals
Missionaries, doctors, and colonial officials believed they had a duty to spread what they saw as the blessings of western civilization, including its medicine, law, and Christian religion.

4. Social Darwinism
Behind the idea of a civilizing mission was a growing sense in the west of racial superiority. Many applied Darwin’s ideas about natural selection to justify imperial conquest and conquest of other races.

5. Colony
Imperial (mother country) powers controlled the governments of their colonies
Could be direct (France)
Could be indirect (Britain)

6. Protectorate
A local (native) ruler was left in place but was expected to take the advice of European advisers on issues of trade or missionary activity.

7. Sphere of Influence
An area in which an outside power claimed exclusive investment or trading privileges.

8. Key Terms
Imperialism: The domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another country or region.
New Imperialism: The aggressive expansion of European nations due to new economic and military strength and economic interests in the 1800’s (and into the 1900’s)
Direct Rule: Colonial rule where officials are sent from the imperial power to administer the colony. Commonly used by France.
Indirect Rule: Colonial rule where local rulers are used as agents in governing. Local children are encouraged to get an education in / by the imperial power thus grooming the next generation to become agents of indirect rule and western civilization. (Britain used this.)