1. Class Notes 6:8 Effects of Imperialism
Modern World History, by Dan McDowell. Teaching Point, ©2004

2. Positive Effects
Local warfare limited and in some cases eliminated, Europeans kept peace (when Europeans eventually leave, many of these original conflicts re-erupt)
Europeans oversee creation of modernized infrastructure, including sanitation, railroads, roads, postal system, telephone lines, and dams

3. Positive Effects
Western hospitals and school systems developed which increased life expectancy and literacy rates
Irrigation methods introduced that improve farming
Customs considered immoral by western standards eliminated (usually those that violate basic ideas of human rights)
New laws applied to all, breaking down some class systems

4. Negative Effects
Africans and Asians lost control of their land and independence
Resources controlled by Europeans
European manufactured goods replaced locally made goods
Europeans treated locals as inferior

5. Negative Effects Many died of new European diseases and warfare
Famines due to move from subsistence agriculture to cash crops
Undermined stable societies; breakdown of traditional cultures
Artificial boundaries that combined or unnaturally divided groups

6. Long Term Effects
Western ideals, culture, and goods spread throughout world
Competition raises stakes between European nations and eventually leads to war
Global economy dominated by industrialized nations
Eventually leads to strong nationalism within the colonized nations