A. What is Imperialism?  Imperialism is: the process by which powerful countries build empires by dominating the political, economic and cultural life of weaker countries, often turning them into colonies.  In short, imperialism is: “empire-building.”

A. What is Imperialism? (cont.)  In modern times, there have been TWO rounds of European empire- building:  Round I: 1500s-1700s – Europeans sought trade routes, exotic goods, cash crops & slaves.

A. What is Imperialism? (cont.)  This round was focused in 3 areas: 1) Exploiting trade opportunities in Asia. 2) Taking colonies in the Americas. 3) Establishing outposts on the coasts of Africa.

A. What is Imperialism? (cont.)  Round II: 1800s-early 1900s – Industrializing countries sought raw materials and markets for manufactured goods.

A. What is Imperialism? (cont.)  In this round the Europeans focused on: 1) Expanding their influence in Asia and the Pacific. 2) Scrambling to take colonies in Africa.

B. Reasons for Imperialism  1) Chauvinism. White Man’s Burden "Take up the White Man's burden-- Send forth the best ye breed-- Go, bind your sons to exile To serve your captives' need; To wait, in heavy harness, On fluttered folk and wild-- Your new-caught sullen peoples, Half devil and half child...” -- Rudyard Kipling

B. Reasons for Imperialism (cont.)  2) Evangelism.

B. Reasons for Imperialism (cont.)  3) Natural Resources. CopperRubberOil

B. Reasons for Imperialism (cont.)  4) Markets for goods.

B. Reasons for Imperialism (cont.)  5) Nationalism.

Africa in 1880

Africa in 1914