I. Imperialism- The policy by a stronger nation to attempt to create an empire by dominating weaker nations economically, politically, culturally, or militarily. How did the Industrial Revolution lead to Age of Imperialism? Japan Changes Direction During the Meiji Era: Commodore Matthew Perry 1853 Commodore Matthew Perry Opens Up Japan to Western Trade! Japan Learns a Lesson! I n 1862, just before the start of the Meiji period, Tokugawa sent officials and scholars to China to study the situation there. A Japanese recorded in his diary from Shanghai The Chinese have become servants to the foreigners. Sovereignty may belong to China but in fact it's no more than a colony of Great Britain and France. Expansionism & the Rise of Military Power New players on the block? Japan Annexes Korea Competition from Another Pacific Power Is on the Horizon The sun never sets on the British Empire II. Motives for Imperialism A. Economic Motives- Economic Motives included: Raw materials such as rubber, tin, copper, petroleum Colonies were potential markets for industrial products B. Nationalism Nationalism- Intense pride in your country or aspiring your sovereignty All great nations in the fullness of their strength have the desire to set their mark upon barbarian lands and those who fail to participate in this great rivalry will play a pitiable role in the time to come. -A German historian C. Social Darwinism/Racism Social Darwinism- only societies that moved aggressively to adapt changing circumstances would survive and prosper. Survival of the fittest D. Humanitarian or religious motives White mans burden to civilize society, Rudyard Kipling's poem To bring Christianity to the heathens Examples of humanitarian motives Bring western democracy, capitalism, & Christianity to the primitive people Ghost Dance A cult that tried to call the spirits of past warriors to inspire the young braves to fight. It was crushed at the Battle of Wounded Knee after spreading to the Dakota Sioux. The Ghost Dance led to the Dawes Severalty Act of This act tried to reform Indian tribes and turn them into "white" citizens. It did little good Great Britain- FranceGermany USA India, Canada, Australia, Egypt, Nigeria, Burma Crash Course