1. Aim: What factors led to the new imperialism of the 1800’s?
Do Now:
Who does the octopus represent?
Why is the octopus grabbing the pieces of land?

2. Imperialism refers to the political and
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Imperialism refers to the political and
economic control of one area or country
by another.

3. Nationalism in Europe led to a renewed
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Nationalism in Europe led to a renewed
interest in expansion. Europeans
conquered land in Asia and Africa
between 1870 and 1900.

4. Despite the independence of the United States and Latin America,
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Despite the independence of the
United States and Latin America,
European imperialism continued in
Africa and Asia.

5. New European countries like Belgium,
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New European countries like Belgium,
Germany, and Italy wanted colonies.
In this photograph, an African is holding
a severed hand. In the Belgian Congo,
if an African did not supply enough rubber,
his hand was cut off.

6. There were many reasons for this renewed interest in conquest and
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There were many reasons for this
renewed interest in conquest and
imperialism. New technology – such
as steamships, rifles, telegraphs, and
better medicines- made it possible
to conquer the African and Asian interiors.

7. There were economic motives for Imperialism. Europeans needed
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There were economic motives for
Imperialism. Europeans needed
cheap raw materials to keep their
factories busy.

8. Nationalism was a motive. Europeans
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Nationalism was a motive. Europeans
wanted colonies to demonstrate their
power.

9. European countries also wanted to preserve the balance of power among
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European countries also wanted to
preserve the balance of power among
themselves. When one country acquired
a colony, other countries felt the same
was necessary.

10. Many Europeans believed in Social Darwinism. Social Darwinism was the
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Many Europeans believed in Social Darwinism. Social Darwinism was the
belief that some societies were more
successful because their cultures were
superior.

11. Some Europeans and Americans believed
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Some Europeans and Americans believed
it was their responsibility to conquer and
“improve” the conquered peoples’ cultures.

12. As European imperialists “carved” up
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As European imperialists “carved” up
Asia and Africa, European missionaries
journeyed to conquered lands to spread
Christianity.

13. While Europeans profited from imperialism, conquered peoples
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While Europeans profited from
imperialism, conquered peoples
suffered greatly.

14. Questions for Reflection:
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Questions for Reflection:
Define imperialism.
What was an economic cause of imperialism?
How did technology affect conquest?
Why did nationalism contribute to imperialism?
Why did Social Darwinism contribute to imperialism?