The Age of New Imperialism 1800-1914 What is imperialism? (hint: look at the root of the word)

“The White Man’s Burden”

The Devilfish in Egyptian Waters

Imperialism A policy where stronger nations dominate the political, economic, or cultural life of weaker nations. A new wave began in the 1800s. Original wave started back in the 1400s. Born out of the new industrial society of the 1800s. Countries were richer and more powerful.

Map of Colonial Empires in 1914

Causes ECONOMIC INTERESTS (MONEY!) NATIONALISM political and military needs 3. SOCIAL DARWINISM 4. “SOCIAL GOSPEL” religious humanitarian

Economic Interests The Industrial Revolution Industrialized countries needed natural resources Ex: rubber, petroleum, manganese for steel, palm oil for machinery Also wanted new markets to sell factory goods to Colonies were valuable outlets for overpopulation in home countries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJe1W_HIWmA

Empire Emigrants Finished Goods Colony Raw Materials

Political/Military Interests Industrialized nations needed naval bases around the world Seized islands and harbors Competition/maintaining balance of power Empire = prestige and greatness Ex: when France got colonies in West Africa, GB and Germany did too to prevent France from becoming too powerful

Social Darwinism Imperialism was based on feelings of racial superiority; this theory justified colonies. Racism: the belief that one race is superior to others Social Darwinists applied Charles Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies. Imperialism was nature’s way of improving the human race.

The “Social Gospel” Humanitarian/Religious Goals Many Westerners believed they had a moral duty to spread their “superior” way of life Western technology, law, medicine, education Also felt they needed to “Christianize” the “barbarians” in other parts of the world. It was very ethnocentric…but…many well-meaning missionaries and doctors accompanied the imperialists Two arguments: western advances did benefit natives; natives were denied their culture

What made imperialism possible? Weakness of conquered areas Africa weak because of slave trade Lack of weapons/technology Western strengths and advantages Strong economies and governments Powerful armies and navies Superior technology Steam-powered ships, Maxim machine gun (1889), repeating rifles, the telegraph, quinine

Chalk Talk Come up and write what is good and bad about imperialism. GOOD BAD

Meeting in Berlin Berlin Conference, 1884 A gathering of European powers held in Berlin. This was a means of avoiding war between the powers. It established ground rules for staking claims in Africa.

Forms of Imperialism Colony – direct control, most intrusive Protectorate – local rulers left in place, but still under control of European advisors Sphere of influence – exclusive investment or trading privileges Economic Imperialism – most politically independent, but ldc’s indirectly controlled by large businesses

Impacts Positive: medical advances, hospitals, schools Life expectancy and literacy rates increased Negative: Africans lost control of land and their independence Forced to mine or plant cotton and other cash crops instead of their own food crops Famine Loss of traditional culture