1. 5 REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM
What is Imperialism and why did countries pursue it?

2. ECONOMIC Imperialism provided raw materials (natural resources)
Countries didn’t want to deplete their own resources.
Reduced the need to rely on other countries for trade with high tariffs (taxes)

3. POLITICAL Nationalism: Pride in one’s own nation
Loyalty+devotion-so much so that believe own nation’s above others
Recognition as World Power
“Plant your flag”
Increase power and prestige over others-Be # 1 imperialist country in the world
Countries are in competition and took territories to prevent their rivals from getting it

4. MILITARY National Security: Protection and Military advantage
Fueling station for Navy
Strategically located for battle or just to fill up on supplies or for travel

5. CULTURAL
Social Darwinism: application of Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” to human societies
Strong survive, the weak or poor are unfit
The belief that Europeans were the superior races while Asian and African people were inferior
Noble duty to uplift and enlighten “uncivilized” people

6. RELIGIOUS
Missionaries spread Christianity (spread of thoughts and ideas about how to live your life)
Religion encouraged imperialism because they felt needed to acquire territory in order to Christianize people.
Under Christianity all people equal in the eye’s of God
This idea was in direct conflict with Social Darwinism  led to many disputes between competing nations
Hypocrisy: Spoke of uplifting people, but this idea was motivated by profit and greed