The Causes of Imperialism

1
The Causes of Imperialism

• In this lesson, students will be able to
  identify and/or define the following terms
• Imperialism
• Causes of Imperialism
• Social Darwinism
• Balance of Power

2
Imperialism refers to the political and economic
control of one area or country by another.
3
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, European imperialism continued in
Africa and Asia.
5
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 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 cheap raw materials to keep
their factories busy.
8
Nationalism was a motive. Europeans wanted
colonies to demonstrate their power.
9
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 SocialDarwinism.
Social Darwinism was the belief that some
societies were more successful because their
cultures were superior.
11
Some Europeans and Americans believed it was
their responsibility to conquer and improve the
conquered peoples cultures.
12
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 suffered greatly.
14
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?