Prompt 1

• Introduction


  The last 19th and Early 20th centuries marked a period of new imperialism characterized by an intensified expansion of western powers into territories across the world. This era saw not only traditional colonial s like Britain and France but also newcomers such as Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States extend their dominions.
• Intro continued 


  Imperialism was driven by a combination of economic, political, and social factors. The industrial revolution had created an overproduction in European countries and the USA, leading to the need for new markets to sell their goods. This economic motivation was coupled with the availability of excess capital looking for high-reward investments, which often found its way into foreign markets.
• Imperialism is defined as "the policy of extending a country's power abroad through diplomacy or military force"
• Politically… ( body p)

  Politically, imperialism was seen as a way to increase national prestige. Colonies were considered status symbols, with India being referred to as Britain’s “jewel of the empire.” The belief that colonialism was necessary for national power was prevalent, and new technologies like steamboats, machine guns, and the telegraph made it easier to control distant lands.
• Socially.. (body p)

  Imperialism was justified through ideologies like Social Darwinism, which proposes that certain races were more fit to rule over others. This led to a sense of moral obligation among Europeans to “civilize“ non-Europeans societies, often through missionary work and the spread of Christianity.
• Economically..


  Led to the exploitation of colonized regions for their raw materials and cheap labor.
• Politically…


  It resulted in the spread of European governance systems around the world, often at the expense of local traditions and political structures.
• Socially and culturally…


  imperialism led to significant changes in the societies that were colonized, including the introduction of new religions, languages, and social norms.
• Geopoltical 


  Imperialism also played a significant role in shaping modern geopolitics. The arbitrary borders drawn by imperial powers, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, have led to ongoing conflicts. The legacy of imperialism has contributed to global inequality, as former colonies often struggle with the long-term effects of exploitation and underdevelopment.
• Purpose of Imperialism


  Exploit resources and explore new markets
• Economy, Politics, and Military reasons for Imperialism

  • Need to expand markets globally to sell
  • Europe and USA produce too much and won't buy from each other
  • Excess capital to invest in foreign markets
  • Need for cheap labor and raw goods from Africa and Asia
• Politics and Growth of Imperialism

  • Belief that colonialism necessary for national power
  • Status symbol of power
  • New technology and needs (steamboats, machine guns, telegram, powerful navy, port cities and harbors)
  • Suez Canal in Egypt
• Humanitarian and Religious justifications for Imperialism

  • Europe's role to "civilize the rest of the world"
  • Missionaries aided colonialism and spread Christianity
  • Social Darwinism - white race is superior and had the right to conquer
• The British East India Company


  • Controlled trade with India and other parts of Asia
  • Massive income for Britain
  • Capitalist markets
  • Exploitation
  • Discrimination
• Imperialism in Africa


  • A system of trade and economic exploitation
  • Control natural resources and maintain economic dominance
  • Use of military force to subjugate local populations and establish British control
• The Opium Wars


  • Britain forced China to open its markets to British goods and cede control of Hong Kong to Britain
• French Imperialism


  • Established colonies in Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia)
  • Colonized Algeria in the 19th century, leading to displacement and oppression of the Algerian population
  • Established colonies in West Africa in the late 19th century
• US Imperialism


  • Spanish-American War, Philippines became an American colony
  • Stopped Japan from expanding in China
• China's response to Imperialism

  • First Opium War, Treaty of Nanking, Boxer's Rebellion
• Japan's Transformation to an Imperial Power

  • 1st Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War
• Scrabble for Africa fun fact

  By 1914 90% of Africa was under the influence of Europe