IMPERIALISM INTRO

1870-1914

DEFINITION

The domination by one country of the political, economic or

cultural life of another country/territory

WHY DID EUROPEANS THINK IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CONQUER OTHER COUNTRIES?

1400-1600: European nations sponsor missions of exploration (Gold, Glory & God)

Establish colonies in the Americas & trade outposts in Asia & Africa (wealth & trade)

Christian missionary efforts (knowledge of people & geography maps)

WHAT DID FRENCH REVOLUTION & INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

French Revolution nationalism & political competition

Industrial Revolution greater wealth, economic strength & technological advancements demand for natural resources & new markets

Attitude of superiority begins

WHAT WERE EUROPEANS LOOKING FOR FROM THESE COUNTRIES?Industrial needs (rubber, petroleum,

manganese, timber)

Expand markets (buyers for products)

Invest in undeveloped regions b/c cheap labor

Outlet for growing European population

WHAT WAS HAPPENING AS A RESULT OF IMPERIALISM?

BALANCE OF POWER– if one country seizes control of land, then another country rushes in to gain control nearby

Humanitarian goals - share God’s word & spread industry to improve the lives of non-Europeans (Social Darwinism)

WHY WAS EUROPE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS QUEST?Technology – Maxim machine gun, repeating rifles,

steam-driven ships (military, communication & travel)

Advancements in medical knowledge (quinine for malaria)

Economic & political strength added to ability to hold control over land & people in other parts of the world

Diversity of African languages, tribal customs, loyalty, & ethnic groups & traditional warfare over land, water & trade rights disunity among African people (similar to indigenous American tribes)

CAUSES AND OUTCOMESCAUSES

Industrial Revolution/French Revolution

New markets to sell goods

Search for raw materials/natural resources

Racism/Superiority

OUTCOMESDecreased local

warfare/breakdown of traditional cultures

Boundaries dividing people

Loss of population from disease & unsuccessful resistances

2 positive increased literacy & improved infrastructure

COLONYGroup of people who leave their

native country to form a settlement in a new land, still in connection to their mother country

DIRECT RULE officials sent from “mother country” to rule people directly & impose culture, language, politics, & economics

France, Germany, Belgium

PROTECTORATELocal rulers are left in place, but

accept advice regarding trade, industry, politics, & missionaries

INDIRECT RULE use of local sultans, chiefs, & rulers to administer laws & codes of “mother country”; encouraged education & cooperation to prepare for future of independence

Britain and US

SPHERE OF INFLUENCEArea in which an outside power claims exclusive investment & trading/economic privilege