2.4 Introduction to Imperialism

What is imperialism?The process of empire building through the taking over

of a country or territory by a “stronger” nation with

the intent of dominating the political, economic, and

social life of the people of that nation.

What is an empire?A group of nations or people ruled by an emperor or

government

What is Colonialism?The control of a nation by a group of people from

another nation

(colonialism is the practice, imperialism is the idea that

drives the practice)

When did it occur?During the Age of

Imperialism, from

about 1850-1914.

Who were the imperialists?European countries (England, France, Germany)

Japan

America

Who became the imperialized?Africa, Asia, the Middle East

What were the

motives of

imperialism?

EconomicImperialistic countries were highly industrialized and

needed natural resources. They wanted to take these

resources, use them, then sell the finished product

back to the country they imperialized.

ReligiousEuropeans believed it was their duty (White Man’s

Burden) to spread Christianity to “heathens.” They

accomplished this through the creation of missions

which offered services like religious education, job

training, and health services.

PoliticalImperialistic countries wanted

to gain power and were in

competition with one

another to build large

empires. People felt a

strong sense of national

pride by having large

territories under their

control.

More land=more power.

More power= more pride.

exploratoryEuropeans viewed countries as “unexplored” land and

wanted to make new discoveries of plant and animal

life.

What advantages and disadvantages exist due to skin color?

How does racism exist today? In what form?

Why are people racist? Where does it come from?

What are the effects of racism?

Why does the government require people to fit into “boxes” based on specific race?

Pair-Share

IdeologicalEuropeans believed in Social

Darwinism or “survival of the

fittest.” Europeans believed

they were the “fittest”

because they were racially,

technologically, and physically

superior to non-Europeans.

Why does it matter?

Competition over lands led to

WWI.

Many countries, especially

those in Africa, continue

to experience the effects

of imperialism today.

A Girl Like MeCan value be placed on a person’s skin color?

What are some of the concerns that were brought up?

Is it possible to “undo” or “fix” some of these concerns?

How so or why not?

What part stood out to you the most?