Imperialism What Why and How

Imperialism A policy in which a powerful nation establishes economic, political and cultural dominance over other territories.

Motivations to establish Empire 1. International economic and political competition Demand for natural resources Demand for cheap labour Search for new markets Status; to be “part of the club” Racism and ethnocentrism

Necessary Conditions for Building Empire Political stability Wealth Technological superiority Large population Sense of Purpose Patriotism Racism Religious Conversion “White Man’s Burden”

Mercantilism – Industrial Revolution - Imperialism Mercantilism Imperialism Accumulation of National Wealth Need for More Resources and Markets Industrialization Increased Production of Consumer Goods (Beginnings of consumerism)

Two Stages of Imperialism Conquest - Usually requires Military force - Economic and political manipulation 2. Colonialism - Imperial power establishes a government through which it controls the affairs of the territory

Establishing Colonialism Imperial Power Sets up government and economic systems Uses indigenous population to advance economic goals Imposes “education” and religion on indigenous population Often has a policy of assimilation

African Proverb Until Lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter

History is written by the victors Western Truism History is written by the victors

Hunter or Lion - Victor or Defeated Modernizing Civilizing Progress Uplifting Robbed and cheated Racism Set back Oppression Which story or perspective of Imperialism became the dominant one?