World History B Mrs. Carlson
Imperialism : is larger or stronger country who dominates a weaker country politically and economically. The motives for imperialism were: To gain natural resources for their factories, For economic and military advantage and growth, Because stronger countries viewed themselves as better, and could help weaker countries. Imperialism became known as the “Scramble for Africa”
Charles Darwin believed in the concept of “ survival of the fittest” or another way of saying it is that only the strong will survive. The stronger countries used this philosophy to justify the taking over of the smaller and weaker countries. Social Darwinism then promoted the era of controlling other countries, if you could.
Darwin’s theory of natural selection also applied to nations and races. Discrimination amongst nations occurred due to Social Darwinism. Cecil Rhodes – advocate for Darwinism: “I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race….What an alteration there would be if they (Africans) were brought under Anglo- Saxon influence” – 1877.
Other concepts played a part in this type of colonization and imperialism. Nationalism: which is pride and belief in one’s country. Militarism: which is a belief of and the development of a strong military to protect and expand one’s country. Industrialism, Militarism, Nationalism and Imperialism all fit together during the era’s of the Industrial Revolution and Imperialism.
IMPERIALISM N—Helps public opinion and pride M—Creates power to overthrow and control other countries IN—Creates markets to export goods
MILITARISM N—Justifies having the best weapons I—Justifies need for a strong army IN—Needed to build weapons
INDUSTRIALISM N – Motives to be the best M – Provides demand to make weapons I – Provides the natural resources
NATIONALISM I – Feels good to control others IN – Develops pride to have new and better things M – Develops pride to know you are strong