1. The Beginnings of Western Domination
The Age of Imperialism
The Beginnings of Western Domination

2. Introduction to Imperialism
Imperialism: domination of one country of the political, economic, and cultural life of another country.
European colonies appear in America, Southeast Asia, Africa (a little now, but much more later), and the Pacific
This marks the beginnings of European domination over these areas that were behind in their development.

3. Economic Causes of Imperialism
Industrial Revolution: As Europe becomes more involved with manufacturing, it needs more natural resources
Rubber, petroleum, manganese for steel, and palm oil for machinery were in high demand.
More places to ship the ever growing number of goods produced in Europe also becomes a motive for expansion. The more colonies a country has, the more people it has to sell its goods

4. Political/Military Interests
The Invention of steam powered, steel ships powered the need for European expansion
Created a need for naval bases and trading ports
Nationalism (pride in one’s nation) played an important role in expansion as well. Why?
Each European nation was in competition with the others, always wanting a larger, more powerful empire.

5. Humanitarian Goals The White Man’s Burden
Many Europeans felt it was their duty to “civilize” the rest of the developing world
Missionaries brought Christianity in its many forms to countries all over the world. They also built modern hospitals and schools as well.
Social Darwinism: the application of Darwin’s ideas about natural selection to human societies.
In other words, the Europeans have been successful because of natural superiority.
Many feel it is the duty of Europeans to aid those who do not have these natural abilities

6. Rudyard Kipling “The White Man’s Burden”
Read the White Man’s Burden
Create an outline for an argument on whether or not Western Expansion was a true success. Did they really need the help? Were the Europeans truly looking out for their “little brothers” across the seas?