UNIT 9: AGE OF
IMPERIALISM
NAME:
Period:
Mr. Justice
Pod 2-1
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Very Important Terms
Term
Definition
Importance
1. Imperialism
2.
Social
Darwinism
3.
Paternalism
4.
Nationalism
5.
Berlin
Conference
6.
Sepoy
7.
“Jewel in the
Crown”
8.
Annexation
9.
Raj
10. Opium War
11. Open Door
Policy
12. Boxer
Rebellion
13. Roosevelt
Corollary
14. La Reforma
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Activity A:Remember The Causes for Imperialism:
1.) Economic - motives included the desire to make money, to expand and control
foreign trade, to create new markets for products, to acquire raw materials and
cheap labor, to compete for investments and resources, and to export industrial
technology and transportation methods.
2.) Political- motives were based on a nation's desire to gain power, to compete
with other European countries, to expand territory, to exercise military force, to
gain prestige by winning colonies, and to boost national pride and security.
Remember about Nationalism!!!
3.) Religious- motives included the desire to spread Christianity, to protect
European missionaries in other lands, to spread European values and moral beliefs,
to educate peoples of other cultures, and to end slave trade in Africa.
4.) Exploratory- motives were based on the desire to explore "unknown" or
uncharted territory, to conduct scientific research, to conduct medical searches for
the causes and treatment of diseases, to go on an adventure, and to investigate
"unknown" lands and cultures.
5.) White Man’s Burden- motives included the belief in Anglo-Saxon racial
superiority, also known as Social Darwinism. European’s and Americans saw it as
their duty to spread civilization, including Christianity, to the rest of the un-civilized
world. Racism played a large role in the justification of Imperialism as well.
Now that you have learned what Imperialism is and the reasons nations took part, look about the room at
the different examples of European Imperialism on the walls, match all 6 cases with the correct symbol
based on the reasoning behind each action.
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BERLIN CONFERENCE
Starting about 1880, European countries engaged in a
scramble/competition to obtain the most amount of free land as
possible. Competition arising, the European Nations met at the Berlin
Conference in 1884-85 to create rules of Africa’s division. No diplomat
representing Africa was in attendance. Surprised to not find a large
market to sell their goods, Africa’s major source of wealth was its
abundance of raw materials, such as copper, tin, peanuts, palm oil, gold,
and diamonds.
What was the imperialistic motive here? Explain how you know (3-5 sentences). What clues etc.?
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The Boer War
Dutch settlers known as the Boers had gradually taken African farmland
and established a large farm system. Britain took over the Cape Colony
in the early 1880s, and decided to established political and military
control over the Boers, which they did not appreciate. After diamonds
and gold were discovered in southern Africa, Britain decided it was time
to take full control in order to strengthen themselves at home and
abroad in the colonies. Boers using guerilla tactics introduced what
some call a “total war”, the British countered by burning farms and
putting women and children in concentration camps. Britain finally won
in 1920, colonies created more National Power and Prestige.
What was the imperialistic motive here? Explain how you know (3-5 sentences). What clues etc.?
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Assimilation
In order to establish more direct control over their colonies, because the
French and other nations believed Africans unable to handle the
complexity of running a country, the French turned towards a policy of
paternalism and assimilation. Paternalism means that they were
governed directly by a European power, but were given no rights as a
citizen of the colony. Assimilation meaning that in time, the local people
would adopt French culture and language, becoming like the French.
This policy was adopted because of the belief of the inferiority of African
culture and institutions compared to those of European nations.
What was the imperialistic motive here? Explain how you know (3-5 sentences). What clues etc.?
6
The Crimean War
Geopolitics took a large role during the period of imperialization, and it
means a nations interest in land for its strategic position or products,
this played a role in Russia vs. Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire
controlled all access to the Mediterranean and Atlantic sea trade,
creating jealousy from Russia due to their cold weather ports. In an
effort to gain control of more trading routes, specifically warm weather
ports, the Russian empire began the Crimean War in 1853 to take
Ottoman lands. Britain and France entered the war alongside the
Ottoman Empire, leading to the eventual defeat of Russia. However, the
war exposed just how weak the Ottoman Empire was. The Ottoman
Empire began to rapidly lose land and power, leading all the way to
WWI.
What was the imperialistic motive here? Explain how you know (3-5 sentences). What clues etc.?
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The Sepoy Mutiny
By about 1850, the British controlled most of India, and considered
India to be the “Jewel in the Crown” due to its immense population and
natural resources. Setting up restrictions that limited the Indian
economy, meaning all competition was taken away from the economy,
the local population began to feel resentful about the racism and
economic control that the British had over them. Nationalism spread
throughout the Indian population, and in 1857, Indian soldiers known
as Sepoys disregarded command, and the next day they rebelled. The
rebellion spread, and the East India Company list control for over a year
until Britain sent aid. As a result of the rebellion Britain took direct
control over all of India, and the event fueled the racist attitudes of the
British toward Indians, and the distrust between the 2 groups
intensified.
What was the imperialistic motive here? Explain how you know (3-5 sentences). What clues etc.?
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Industrialization Aids Exploration
The need and drive for colonies and spheres of influence did not begin in the 19th
century, but rather as soon as European countries created strong nations, which
happened around the 16th and 17th centuries. However, in such large continents like
Africa, India, and Asia, it was impossible to expand a nations reach from past the
coast. Once the steam engine was created and used within the new boats and
locomotives, new exploration was possible, including the discovery of the Nile River
and its vast potential. All of Africa was now available for nations to invade, the rest
of the world not far behind. Some individuals however, such as David Livingstone,
only wanted to explore new lands and promote Christianity deep into Central Africa.
What was the imperialistic motive here? Explain how you know (3-5 sentences). What clues etc.?
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Activity B: CHOOSE ONENewspaper Article: You must write a newspaper article that describes the developments of imperialism in Africa,
from its start to its end, advocating for or against imperialism. OR Create a political cartoon that illustrates the progression of European imperialism
in Africa (You must include all four boxes in each of these options
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Activity D:
Answer Questions One and Two From The Chart Below:
1.
2.
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Activity C: Effects of British Imperialism on India




Positive Effects
The British built the world’s third
largest railroad network in India
Railroads and telegraphs united the
subcontinent
The British developed a modern road
network and built dams and irrigation
canals
Sanitation and public health improved




Negative Effects
The British restricted Indian-owned
industries such as cotton textiles
The British emphasis on cash crops
resulted in a loss of self-sufficiency
for many villagers
Famines increased as cash crops
reduced food production
Indians faced discrimination from the
British in their own land
Ultimately, the British wanted India’s resources for its factories. Indian resources were exported to Great Britain and
converted into manufactured goods that were sold throughout the world. Of course, manufactured goods were more
profitable than raw materials. As such, India exported cheaper resources and was forced to import expensive
manufactured goods. By not allowing Indian industries to compete, the subcontinent experienced great poverty. The
Indian people suffered as India became an exporter of cash crops and an importer of more expensive finished
goods.
Directions: After examining the chart above, do you believe the British occupation of India was justified
(acceptable). Take a position below and write your answer in complete sentences.
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