Geography: Imperialism

European Imperialism The late 1800's Britain was losing its lead in the economic world. The United States and Germany were very competitive with Britain. Imperialism- the practice of gaining colonies for economic, political, or militaristic benefit. France, Japan, and the United States began to gain colonies too. THE ANSWER

European Obligation  Europeans felt obligation to bring their "superior" culture to their colonies.  Colonies became a source of pride as well as economic benefit.  Missionaries went to colonized Africa and Asia to introduce their religion to the natives.

Colonial Powers  C ountries in Africa were not powerful enough to stop European armies  Belgium took the Congo  France claimed Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria and built the Suez Canal.  Britain took Egypt to have control of the canal as well as South Africa and Sudan.  Italy took Libya  By the early 1900's most of Africa was taken by European colonists.

Global Power  South Asia was soon dominated  India was deemed "The Jewel in the Crown" by Britain. It supplied valuable spices and raw materials.  Britain controlled Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Southern Solomons.  Germany controlled the Northern Solomons  France controlled Tahiti  The United States made Hawaii a US state.

End of Imperialism