The Age of Imperialism (1800–1914)
Lesson 1 The New Imperialism
The Age of Imperialism (1800–1914)
Lesson 1 The New Imperialism
Learning Objectives
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Explain the political, economic, and social causes of European imperialism.
Understand how technology and other factors contributed to the spread of
imperialism.
Describe the characteristics of imperial rule.
Summarize the cultural, political, and social effects of imperialism.
The Age of Imperialism (1800–1914)
Lesson 1 The New Imperialism
Key Terms
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Imperialism
protectorate
sphere of influence,
Motivations for the New Imperialism
The Industrial Revolution transformed the West. Advances in science and
technology, industry, transportation, and communication provided Western nations
with many advantages. Armed with new economic and political power, Western
nations set out to dominate the world, building extensive overseas empires in the
late 1800s.
Motivations for the New Imperialism
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Need for Resources Drives Further Expansion
Political and Military Causes
Humanitarian and Religious Motives
Social Darwinism’s Impact
Motivations for the New Imperialism
The Netherlands played a leading role in the first phase of imperialism, from 1500 to 1800. The
Dutch East India Company protected Dutch trade in the Indian Ocean and even had the right to
make treaties and maintain its own armed forces.
Western Imperialism Spreads Rapidly
From about 1870 to 1914, imperialist nations gained control over much of the
world. Leading the way were soldiers, merchants, settlers, missionaries, and
explorers. In Europe, imperial expansion found favor with all classes, from bankers
and manufacturers to workers. Western imperialism expanded rapidly for a number
of reasons.
Western Imperialism Spreads Rapidly
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Vulnerable Non-Western States
Western Advantages
Some Resist Imperialism
Critics at Home
Western Imperialism Spreads Rapidly
Western imperialists had powerful armies to keep control in their colonies. Here, British Army
troops put down a rebellion in Bombay, India, in 1898. Support a Point of View with Evidence
Does the artist who created this drawing favor the British or the Indians? What details in the
image support your conclusion?
Types of Imperial Rule
The leading imperial powers developed several kinds of colonial rule. Each of the
different types reflected different goals for their colonies.
Types of Imperial Rule
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Direct and Indirect Rule
Other Types of Imperial Rule
Types of Imperial Rule
The French practiced direct rule in their colonies. Here, French soldiers speak with an Algerian
man. Infer What were the costs and benefits of direct rule?
The Effects of Imperialism
Western imperialism had an enormous impact around the world. It affected
different places in different ways, but there were some common effects in colonized
territories.
The Effects of Imperialism
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Cultural Changes
Political Changes
Economic Changes
The Effects of Imperialism
Missionaries brought not only religion, but cultural change. Girls at this French missionary
school in China learn Christmas carols. Analyze Context What evidence can you find in the
photo that this is a missionary school?
Quiz: Motivations for the New Imperialism
Which of the following BEST summarizes the causes of imperialism in the late
1800s?
A. Westerners wanted to spread their religion, sell manufactured goods, and gain
territory to compete with other countries.
B. Westerners wanted markets for their goods and to attract non-Western workers
for their factories.
C. Westerners wanted to spread their religion and educate people.
D. Westerners wanted to conquer as much land as they could because they
needed more territory.
Quiz: Western Imperialism Spreads Rapidly
How were Western nations able to expand their control over Asia and Africa so
quickly?
A. Their reliance on enslaved people gave them enough manpower to conquer
Asian and African territories.
B. They had strong governments, advanced economies and technology, and
military power.
C. They brought industry to Africa and Asia, setting up factories near the sources
of resources.
D. They adopted the traditions of the local peoples that they hoped to control.
Quiz: Types of Imperial Rule
How do direct and indirect rule differ?
A. Direct rule allowed for a European monarch to rule directly over the colony;
indirect rule let the colonies rule themselves with no intervention.
B. Direct rule set up a government ruled by the local people; indirect rule set up a
government controlled by royal officials.
C. Direct rule set up Westerners to rule over colonies; indirect rule allowed them to
rule themselves with no intervention.
D. Direct rule had European officials and soldiers to govern colonies; indirect rule
used Western-appointed locals to govern colonies.