The Age of Imperialism

Imperialism The takeover of a country or territory (land) by a strong nation with the intent of controlling the political, economic, and social life of the conquered people.

During the Age of Imperialism, the Europeans are going to establish COLONIES around the world A colony is a territory that is taken over by a stronger nation

Many European nations want to gain colonies: Because they need resources to continue the process of industrialization They need marketplaces to sell the goods they were making as a result of the IR It was a sign of the greatness of the country - the more land, the stronger your country was

The race to establish colonies will begin in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s It will affect the continents of Africa and Asia The Africans & Asians do NOT want Imperialism to happen However, they have not industrialized and are powerless to stop it from happening

Africa had already gone through a period of colonization Most of the continent remained independent

However, only 2 nations will be able to remain independent after the new phase of Imperialism

Their empire is so large there is a saying to describe it Britain will be the main country to establish colonies in Africa & Asia Their empire is so large there is a saying to describe it “The Sun never sets on the British Empire”

Because it was a sign of greatness, Britain is not the only nation to establish colonies The Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, and the United States all will establish colonies They will not treat the people of Africa & Asia well