1. The Motives for Imperialism
Lecture #13

2. I. What is Imperialism?
When a stronger nation dominates a weaker nation politically, socially and economically
Europe is guilty of imperializing other areas of the world, including:
Africa
Asia
The Americas
Australia

3. II. Why do countries imperialize?
It comes down to more than land, people and money
There are many reasons for a stronger nation to imperialize a weaker nation
Economic motives
Political & Military motives
Humanitarian and Religious motives
Not everyone agreed with these reasons
The people that were being conquered
Criticism from people at home in Europe

4. III. Economic Motives Manufacturers want access to natural resources
Rubber
Petroleum
Manganese (steel)
Palm oil (for machinery)
New markets to sell goods to
Bankers seek ventures for their profits
Colonies are a good outlet for over crowding

5. IV. Political & Military Motives
Seize harbors and islands as ports for navy vessels
World ships need to gather supplies for home
Lands “grabbed up” or acquired to stop other nations from expanding too much
National security
Increase in national pride and power

6. Result of the
Berlin
Conference
in 1884

8. V. Humanitarian and Religious Goals
Paternalism; “little brothers”
Missionaries, doctors, and colonial officials believed they had a duty to spread what they saw as the blessings of Western civilization
Medicine
Law
Christian religion

9. VI. Why did Europe think it was okay to imperialize other countries?
Social Darwinism
Applied Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies.
European races were superior
Domination of weaker races was nature’s way of improving the human species
Racism
The belief that one race is superior to another

10. VII. Resisting Imperialism
Some people fought against the invaders
Despite difference in weapons
Reforming traditions
Expelling westerners from their boundaries

11. VIII. Criticism at Home Tool of the rich Immoral
Imposition of undemocratic rules on other peoples

12. Checking for Understanding
Complete this on a separate sheet of paper for a grade! Write both the question and the answer!
What is the meaning of imperialism? What does it mean to you?
Which areas of the world was Europe guilty of imperializing?
How does racism relate to imperialism?
What does a stronger nation get when they imperialize a weaker nation (both economic and political motives)?
Did everyone agree with imperialism? Why or why not?