1. Background to WW1: Imperialism & International Relations
WH3201
September 2015

2. Imperialism & International Relations
As the 19th century drew to a close, Europe was at the pinnacle of its power with Imperialism dominating national policies
Imperialism: Process by which powerful nations extend their influence over foreign countries through the acquisition of colonies
Colony: A territory controlled by another state for resources, military advantage or prestige

3. Reasons for Imperialism
Gold (Economic)
Overseas colonies provided the following to the ‘mother country’:
Economic expansion
Raw materials & sources of labour
Outlets for surplus capital
Markets for manufactured / surplus goods

4. Reasons for Imperialism
Gold (Economic)
e.g. Boer War (1899/1902) in South Africa in which Britain gained control of gold/diamond producing territory

5. Cecil Rhodes: Cape to Cairo

6. Cecil Rhodes: Cape to Cairo

7. Reasons for Imperialism
2. God (Ideological / Moral)
Cultural & religious beliefs force states into imperialism as a "missionary activity“
(e.g. make other people into good Christians & bring civilization & progress to ‘savage’ & undeveloped colonies)

9. Reasons for Imperialism
2. God (Ideological / Moral)
Britain's colonial empire existed in part by the idea that it was the "white man‘s burden" to civilize "backward" peoples
In other words, the “superior white race” (major European states & USA) had a burden to educate the inferior and uncivilized non-white races. (racism)

11. Reasons for Imperialism
3. Glory (Political)
States motivated to expand by desire for power, prestige, security, & diplomatic advantages (e.g. Britain & France race to seize colonies in Africa)

12. Imperialism
In 1900, most of Africa & Asia were divided into colonies by European states & USA.

13. Imperialism
Why might the drive for imperialism cause conflict between countries?
Analyze Fig 1.13 “Imperial Powers of the Turn of the Century” page 25 and make note of what appears to be common reasons for the national desire to create global empires