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? Have

you seen it?

Why are people racist? Where does it come from?

What are the effects of racism?

Why do you think society requires 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?