Chapter 24: Imperialism: 1840 – 1914
In this chapter you will learn about imperialism, when European powers took control of Asia
and Africa. There were several reasons for this. Manufacturers in Europe needed new natural
resources. Some missionaries and doctors were concerned for the well being of people in these
countries. Another reason was that many Europeans thought they were superior to everyone
else. They thought it was up to them to “improve?? life for the people in these countries. The
results were often violent.
Goals for Learning
To explain imperialism
To describe the effects of imperialism on Asia
To describe the effects of imperialism on Africa
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Imperialism
Map Skills: Between 1850 and 1900, the world went through great change. By 1900, a few
powerful nations dominated the map. Many countries in Europe had huge empires in Africa
and Asia. The European powers divided nearly all of Africa among themselves. Outsiders also
controlled much of Asia. This map shows European and American imperialism in Africa,
Europe, and Asia.
Study the map, then answer the following questions:
1. Which European power controlled the largest empire?
2. What country controlled the island of Madagascar, off the east African coast??
3. What are the names of three African colonies that Portugal controlled?
4. What were the major Dutch colonies in Asia?
5. What country controlled Australia?
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Reading Strategy: Predicting
Previewing a text helps prepare readers look for new information—to predict what will come
next. A prediction is your best guess about what might happen next.:
As you read the text, notice details that could help you make predictions.
While you read, check your predictions.
You may have to change your predictions as you learn more information.
Key Vocabulary Words
Lesson 1
Imperialism: Control or influence a powerful nation has over a weaker nation
Colonialism: The controlling of colonies; another name for imperialism
Market: A place to sell goods
Mother country: A nation that controls a colony
Lesson 2
Sphere of influence: An area in which only one foreign country can trade
Lesson 3
Protectorate: An independent country whose foreign policy is controlled by a major power
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Lesson 1: Imperialism
Objectives
To explain how industrialization and nationalism helped spread imperialism
To describe how people’s attitudes and the quest for military power helped imperialism
Reading Strategy: Predicting
Preview the lesson title. Predict what you will learn in this lesson.
Imperialism
Control or influence a powerful nation has over a weaker nation
Colonialism
The controlling of colonies; another name for imperialism
Market
A place to sell goods
Mother country
A nation that controls a colony
Imperialism occurs when a powerful nation controls a weaker nation. During the 1500s, many
European countries set up colonies in the Americas. Spain controlled most of Latin America
and England controlled most of North America. Colonialism, or the controlling of colonies, is
another name for imperialism.
By the beginning of the 1800s, however, wars like the American Revolutionary War had
changed Europe’s opinion about colonialism. Colonies seemed to cause more trouble than they
were worth. However, by 1900, the industrialized countries of Europe, Japan, and the United
States controlled nearly the whole world. How did this happen? There are many reasons.
How Did Industrialism Help Imperialism?
The Industrial Revolution was one reason why imperialism spread. Factory owners in
industrialized nations needed the natural resources and raw materials of other countries. To
keep their factories running, they needed coal, iron ore, gold, silver, tin, and copper. They could
get these from colonies.
These same nations needed places to sell their manufactured goods. That is, they needed
markets. By taking over colonies, they could control markets. Each major nation let its
colonies buy only those goods manufactured in the mother country—the nation that controls a
colony.
How Did Nationalism Help Imperialism?
Some countries thought that an empire would make them look important in the eyes of the
world. Italy, Germany, Japan, and the United States thought colonies would make them as
powerful as England and France. Many countries agreed with the statement that “there has
never been a great power without great colonies.??
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Reading Strategy: Predicting
This about what you predicted earlier. Was your prediction correct, or do you need to change
your prediction?
How Did Militarism Help Imperialism?
In the late 1800s, many countries built up their military power. Sea power was especially
important, because it helped nations control trade routes. Mother countries could use their
colonies as military bases. Ships from these mother countries could stop at colonial ports to get
supplies for the military.
What Attitudes Helped Promote Imperialism?
Many people in Europe and the United States thought that they were better than people from
the East. They thought that these people—especially Africans and Asians—were ignorant and
uncivilized. Westerners believed that they should bring Christianity and western civilization to
these countries.
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Lesson 1 Review
On a sheet of paper, write the answer to each question. Use complete sentences.
1. What is imperialism?
2. Why did many countries lose interest in imperialism at the beginning of the 1800s?
3. What is the connection between the Industrial Revolution and imperialism?
4. What is the connection between nationalism and imperialism?
5. Why do you think Europeans and Americans thought of themselves as better than people
from Africa and Asia?
What do you think?
Was imperialism a good thing? Explain your answer.
Then and Now
The Color Khaki
During the American Revolution, British soldiers wore white pants, a shiny black hat, and a
bright red coat. Because of these bright coats, people called them “redcoats?? or “lobster
backs.?? Their uniforms looked great in a parade, but an enemy could easily see these red
coats.
Years later, while fighting in India, the British soldiers decided to make the enemy’s job harder.
They covered their uniforms with brown dirt in the dry season and with mud in the wet season.
In time, the British adopted the dull yellowish-brown color of Indian dirt for their battle
uniforms. Today, we call this “khaki.?? It comes from the Indian word for dust.
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Lesson 2: The Effect of Imperialism on Asia
Objectives
To explain why India was important to Britain
To explain why Southeast Asia was important to Europe
To describe how Japan became imperialistic
By the 1600s, Britain was the greatest sea power in the world. It was also the most
industrialized country and the country that did the most trading. Because of all this, Britain
wanted colonies in Asia. Soon, the British would brag that “the sun never sets on the British
empire.??
Why Was India Important to Britain?
The Mogul Empire ruled most of India in the 1500s and 1600s, but it collapsed in 1707. India
was then divided into many weak, independent states. By the mid-1700s, France and Britain
were fighting each other for control of India. Britain won. At first, the British ruled India
through a privately owned company—the British East India Company. However, in 1858, the
British government took over direct rule of India.
India won its independence in 1947. But for nearly 100 years, India was very important to
Britain. It provided Britain with natural resources and raw materials for industry. Its large
population also provided an important market for British goods.
Because India was important to Britain, the British did everything they could to protect India
from other imperialistic countries. In the late 1800s, Russia threatened India on its northwest
boundaries. To protect India, Britain took over neighboring Afghanistan.
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Map Study: Spheres of Influence in China to 1911
This map shows the spheres of influences, or trading areas, in China that existed until 1911.
Which European power had a sphere of influence along the Yangtze River? Which country had
a sphere of influence in Korea? In what lands did the French have a sphere of influence?
Reading Strategy: Predicting
Based on what you have just read, predict what will happen to Southeast Asia as imperialism
spreads.
Why Was Southeast Asia Important to Europe?
France also threatened British interests in India. France took over much of Southeast Asia, an
area that became known as French Indochina. (Today, this area includes the countries of
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.) The British took over Burma to keep the French from
expanding westward. (India lies to the west of Burma, now called Myanmar.) Soon Ceylon,
Malaya, and Singapore also fell under British control.
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Sphere of influence
An area in which only one foreign country can trade
When Did Europe Insist on More Trade with China?
China lies east of India. For years Chinese rulers had allowed only limited trade with other
countries. By the late 1800s, however, this limited trade no longer satisfied the Europeans.
They forced China to give them special trade rights. After 1842, Great Britain, France,
Germany, and Russia took over Chinese land and important sea ports. These nations divided
China up into four different trading areas. Each European power controlled the trade in one of
these areas. Historians call this a sphere of influence. The Europeans said that China was still
an independent country. However, its rulers had no say in the European-controlled trade.
What Happened in Japan in 1867?
For a while, people thought that Japan, too, might fall to Europe’s imperialism. However, a
revolution in 1867 ended the rule of the shogun and returned political power to Emperor Meiji.
This revolution brought great change to Japan.
After 1867, new leaders governed Japan in the emperor’s name. They introduced many
reforms, and Japan set out to become a modern, industrialized nation. It adopted western ideas
in transportation and education. It abolished feudalism. Then the Japanese leaders wrote a
constitution based on the German system Bismarck had developed.
How Did Japan Become Imperialistic?
Next, Japan began to develop a western-style army. In 1876, its leaders passed a law that
ordered all young men to serve in the army. Soon Japan had a modern army and navy. Japan
used its new military power to become imperialistic. From 1894 to 1895, it went to war with
China. China lost and had to give Japan some of its territory.
In 1904, Japan went to war with Russia and won again. It took over Korea and gained
important trading rights in Russian controlled lands in China. Like many European countries,
Japan was now an imperialistic world power.
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Lesson 2 Review
On a sheet of paper, use the words from the Word Bank to complete each sentence correctly.
1. In 1858, _____ took over direct rule of India.
2. In the late 1800s, Great Britain took over _____.
3. In the late 1800s, _____ took over much of Southeast Asia.
4. _____ became a military power after its revolution in 1867.
5. Japan became a world power after it defeated China in 1895 and _____ in 1904.
What do you think?
China was once the most powerful and richest country in the world. But in the 1800s,
Europeans began to control its trade. Why did that happen?
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Lesson 3: The Effect of Imperialism on Africa
Objectives
To identify colonies that Britain controlled in Africa
To Identify other countries that controlled colonies in Africa
To describe how Europeans treated native people
Reading Strategy: Predicting
Based on the first two lessons in this chapter, how do you think the Africans will be treated by
other countries?
Protectorate
An independent country whose foreign policy is controlled by a major power
As you know, Europeans wanted colonies in Asia. They wanted them in Africa, too. In the
1870s, Europeans raced one another for colonies there.
What Colonies Did Britain Control in Africa?
By the end of the 1800s, Great Britain controlled what are now the nations of Sudan, Nigeria,
Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. In 1900, it took over Nigeria. South Africa became a British
colony in 1909.
In 1859, workers began to build the Suez Canal. When it was finished over 10 years later, it
connected the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The canal made the trip from Europe to India and
the Far East much shorter. In 1875, Britain took control of the canal.
A few years later, Egypt became a British protectorate. As a protectorate, Egypt stayed
independent, but Britain controlled its foreign policy. In return, Britain protected Egypt from
attacks by other countries.
How Big Was the French Empire in Africa?
By 1847, France had gained control of Algeria. Soon, France established the largest European
empire in Africa. This empire stretched 2,500 miles from the Atlantic Ocean eastward to
Sudan. France’s holdings in Africa were large, but not rich. Still, other countries respected
France for having such a large empire.
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Writing About History
Imagine you are attending the meeting in Berlin in 1900 as a representative from Africa. Write
a short speech telling the European countries how you feel about having them decide
boundaries in your country.
Reading Strategy: Predicting
Think about your prediction. Was it accurate? Why or why not?
How Big Was the German Empire in Africa?
Germany united as a nation in 1871. It entered the race for African colonies late. Even so, by
1900, only France and Britain had larger empires in Africa. Germany’s colonies were far apart
and not rich. However, its military strength worried other European countries. When Germany
asked these countries to come to a meeting in Berlin, they came. There they talked about
African boundaries. However, no one asked any Africans to come to the meeting.
What Other European Countries Controlled Africa?
Many other nations had colonies in Africa. Spain and Portugal had the oldest colonies. Belgium
had a large empire in central Africa. Italy, which came late to Africa, had little success there. It
tried to take over Ethiopia, but was defeated. In 1912, Italy did take control of Tripoli in what is
now the nation of Libya. Tripoli was large, but poor.
Many European nations scrambled for empires, but some nations got little or nothing of value.
They felt angry at those who got wealth from their colonies. This led to fighting.
Was Imperialism Good or Bad?
Europeans said that imperialism was good. It brought great improvements in health,
transportation, and education to Africa and Asia. It introduced the ideas of constitutional
government. It also brought jobs and industry to the colonies.
However, many of the colonial people thought that imperialism was bad. They felt that
Europeans got more out of imperialism than they did. Factories in Africa and Asia supplied
cheap goods to Europe. But these factories—owned by Europeans—destroyed native industry
and many people lost their jobs.
Also, the colonial people had no control over their government or their country’s natural
resources. Europeans took the best land and the richest sources of gold, iron, silver, copper, or
other valuable natural resources found in the ground.
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How Did Europeans Treat Native People?
Europeans thought they were better than the native people of Africa and Asia. They tried to
change the religion, the language, and the way of life of these colonized people. This showed
that they had little respect for native culture and customs. In time, this led to a wave of
nationalism among the people of Africa and Asia.
Lesson 3 Review
On a sheet of paper, write the letter of the answer that correctly completes each sentence.
1. The Suez Canal connected and Mediterranean Sea and the _____ Sea.
A Algerian
B Asian
C Black
D Red
2. By 1847, France had gained control of _____.
A Algeria
B Sudan
C Germany
D Britain
3. In 1875, _____ took control of the Suez Canal.
A Britain
B Germany
C Italy
D Nigeria
3. In 1912, Italy took control of _____.
A Portugal
B Spain
C Tripoli
D Sudan
4. Italy tried to take over _____, but was defeated.
A Belgium
B Britain
C Ethiopia
D Spain
5. By 1900, only France and Britain had African empires larger than _____.
A Belgium
B Germany
C Spain
D Egypt
What do you think?
Why would Europeans want Africans to give up their language, religion, and customs?
Biography
Leopold II of Belgium: 1835–1909
Leopold II was born in the Belgian capital of Brussels. At age 20, he entered the Belgian
senate. As a senator, he urged the Belgian government to acquire colonies in Africa. When the
government did not cooperate, Leopold used his own money to pay for an expedition to central
Africa. In 1865, Leopold became king of Belgium, and in 1885, he founded the Congo Free
State. Leopold used a private army to force Africans in the area to work. They helped Leopold
gather a huge personal fortune. About a year before his death, Leopold turned over the Congo
Free State to the Belgian government. It was renamed the Belgian Congo.
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Document-Based Reading
“That Was No Brother??
The first meeting between white explorers and Africans must have been terrifying to both
groups. The Africans had never seen white-skinned people before. The whites were far from
home and few in number compared to the Africans. Misunderstandings were likely to occur.
This excerpt describes such a meeting from an African’s viewpoint.
When we heard that the man with the white flesh was journeying down the [river] we were
open-mouthed with astonishment. We stood still. All night long the drums announced the
strange news—a man with white flesh! That man, we said to ourselves, has a white skin. He
will be one of our brothers who were drowned in the river. All life comes from the water, and
in the water he has found life. Now he is coming… home…
We will prepare a feast, I ordered. We will go to meet our brother and escort him into the
village with rejoicing! We donned our ceremonial garb. We assembled the great canoes. We
listened for the gong which would announce our brother’s presence… Presently the cry was
heard: He is approaching.… Now he enters the river! Halloh! We swept forward, my canoe
leading,… to meet the first white man our eyes had beheld, and to do him honor.
But as we drew near his canoes there were loud reports, bang! bang! and fire staves spat bits of
iron at us. We were paralyzed with fright; our mouths hung wide open and we could not shut
them. Things such as we had never seen, never heard of, never dreamed of—they were the
work of evil spirits! Several of my men plunged into the water… Some screamed dreadfully,
others… were dead, and blood flowed from little holes in their bodies. “War! That is war!?? I
yelled. “Go back!?? The canoes sped back to our village with all the strength our spirits could
impart to our arms.
That was no brother! That was the worst enemy our country had ever seen…
Now tell me: has the white man dealt fairly by us? Oh, do not speak to me of him! You call us
wicked men, but you white men are much more wicked! You think because you have guns you
can take away our land and our possessions. You have sickness in your heads, for that is not
justice.
Document-Based Questions
1. Who did the Africans think the white man was?
2. How did the Africans prepare to greet the white man?
3. How did the white man greet the Africans?
4. Why does the writer call white men wicked?
5. After reading the excerpt, what is your opinion of the white man did?
Source: From The Quest for Africa. © 1957 by Dr. Heinrich Schiffers, G. P. Putnam’s Sons,
New York.
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Spotlight Story: “Dr. Livingstone, I Presume???
For many years, Africa was called the unexplored continent. The African desert made it hard to
travel there by land. Africa’s rivers had many waterfalls and rapids that made travel difficult.
In the 19th century, religious explorers set out for Africa. They wanted to bring Christianity
and education to the Africans. One of the most famous was David Livingstone. Livingstone
went to Africa to spread Christianity. He also hated slavery and wanted to end the slave trade.
In time, he became well known and was loved by many Africans.
Between 1841 and 1873, Livingstone made three long trips to Africa. In 1849, he crossed the
vast Kalahari Desert. On this trip he explored the Zambezi River. Six years later, he followed
that river eastward to the coast. On that trip, he explored a giant waterfall. He named it Victoria
Falls after the English queen, Queen Victoria.
In 1865, he set out to find the source of the Nile River. He began at Cape Town on the southern
tip of Africa and went north. For many years nothing was heard from him. Many people
thought he had died or become lost.
An American newspaper, the New York Herald, sent a reporter to find Livingstone. The
reporter, Henry Stanley, traveled for 126 days in search of Livingstone. He sent back daily
accounts of what he was seeing and learning in Africa. Some African guides took him to Ujiji
on Lake Tanganyika. In his newspaper account, Stanley described what happened next. “The
expedition at last comes to a halt… I alone have a few more steps to make… As I come nearer I
see the white face of an old man…
We raise our hats and I say, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume???
The two men became friends and explored together. By the end of the trip, Africa fascinated
Stanley. In 1873, Dr. Livingstone died. Stanley continued to explore.
Explorers like Livingstone and Stanley were very important in the scramble for African
territory. Their writings and speeches made people more interested in Africa. They also
convinced some people that slavery was evil and should be stopped.
Wrap-Up
1. Why did African geography discourage its exploration?
2. Why did the missionary explorers go to Africa?
3. What river and waterfall did Livingstone explore on his expeditions?
4. On his first trip to Africa, for whom did Henry Stanley work? What did he do?
5. How did Livingstone and Stanley contribute to the scramble for Africa?
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Chapter 24 SUMMARY
In imperialism or colonialism, a stronger nation controls weaker ones for its own benefit. The
Industrial Revolution contributed to this policy. Factory owners needed raw materials from
colonies and used them as markets for their goods.
Countries believed that having colonies made them important world powers. Since sea power
was especially important, colonies were used as naval bases.
In Asia, Britain took control of India, Burma, Ceylon, Malaya, and Singapore. France took
Indochina.
The Industrial Revolution made colonies into sources of raw materials and markets.
Imperialism made large parts of Asia and Africa into European colonies.
After 1842, Britain, France, Germany, and Russia divided China into trading areas. They were
called spheres of influence.
After 1867, Japan modernized and went to war against China and then Russia. It took over
Korea and won trading rights in China.
European powers divided Africa into colonies. Britain controlled Egypt and the Suez Canal,
South Africa, and several other colonies. French colonies were mainly in West Africa.
Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Belgium also had colonies.
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Chapter 24 REVIEW
On a sheet of paper, use the words from the Word Bank to complete each sentence correctly.
Word Bank
Algeria
Bismarck
British East Indian Company
China
Great Britain
India
Japan
Meiji
Mogul Empire
Suez Canal
1. _____ won its independence in 1947.
2. After 1842, Great Britain, France, Germany, and Russia divided _____ up into four different
trading areas.
3. Emperor _____ began to make Japan a modern and powerful nation.
4. _____ rules most of Indian in the 1500s and 1600s.
5. _____ defeated Russia in 1904 and won control of Korea.
6. The _____ connected the Mediterranean and Red Seas.
7. After 1867, new leaders in Japan wrote a constitution based on the German system _____
had developed.
8. The British rules India through their _____.
9. By the end of the 1800s, _____ controlled what are now the nations of Sudan, Nigeria,
Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda.
10. By 1847, France had gained control of _____.
On a sheet of paper, write the letter of the answer that correctly completes each sentence.
11. A nation’s warlike policy or practice is called _____.
A imperialism
B colonialism
C nationalism
D militarism
12. The control by a powerful nation of a weaker one is _____.
A militarism
B imperialism
C nationalism
D Kaiser
13. Europeans said that imperialism brought _____ to Africa and Asia.
A improvements in health
B jobs and industry
C better education
D all of the above
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14. By the 1600s, _____ was the greatest sea power in the world.
A Korea
B India
C Britain
D China
15. In 1904, Japan went to war with _____ and won.
A Russia
B China
C Germany
D France
16. By 1900, only Great Britain had a larger empire in Africa than _____.
A France
B Germany
C China
D Russia
On a sheet of paper, write the answer to each question. Use complete sentences.
17. What is imperialism?
18. Which countries became imperial powers during the 19th century?
Critical Thinking
On a sheet of paper, write your response to each question. Use complete sentences.
19. Do you believe imperialism was more a force for good or a force for evil? Explain your
answer.
20. Why do you think Europeans gained control over Africa so easily?
Test-Taking Tip: Restate the test directions in your own words. Tell yourself what you are
expected to do.
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Unit 5: Skill Builder
Compare and Contrast
Comparing and contrasting reveals how things are alike and how they are different. People,
ideas, and events are sometimes compared and contrasted in writing. Look for words that signal
comparing and contrasting when you read.
To compare, ask: “How are these things alike???
To contrast, ask: “How are these things different???
To decide if things are being compared, look for words, such as:
also both like similar
Cavour, like Garibaldi, was a leader in the unification of Italy.
To decide if things are being contrasted, look for words, such as:
but however instead
not only while
Cavour was called the “brain?? of the revolution while Garibaldi was called the “sword.??
Decide whether each of these sentences compares or contrasts.
1. Mazzini’s revolt was unsuccessful; however, Cavour’s gained Sardinia’s freedom.
2. Cavour worked to unite the northern Italian states while Garibaldi fought in the south.
3. Both Cavour and Garibaldi were Italian heroes.
4. Germany, like Italy, had many independent states.
5. Ironically, it was not a German, but Napoleon, who began German unification.
Compare and contrast the effects of imperialism. Focus on what happened between
imperialistic European nations and the named areas. In your notebook, write one sentence
about each item. Be sure to use words that compare and contrast.
6. India
7. Southeast Asia
8. China
9. Japan
10. Egypt
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Unit 5 SUMMARY
Nationalism means that a group of people have one language, one culture, one government,
and a common history.
Giuseppe Mazzini was called the soul of Italian independence because he stood for its spirit of
freedom.
Count Camillo di Cavour was known as the brain of Italian unity. He got French support for
Sardinia’s war against Austria.
Giuseppe Garibaldi was called the sword of Italian independence because of his military
accomplishments. He and his Red Shirts freed Sicily.
The German Revolution of 1848 failed. The Prussian ruler refused to become king of all the
German states. German nationalists believed only Prussia could unite Germany.
Prussia was the largest German state. In 1862, Otto von Bismarck became Prussia’s prime
minister. Bismarck did not believe in democratic rule.
Bismarck used militarism to conquer the German states. He defeated Austria in seven weeks. A
new empire, Austria-Hungary, was formed.
In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, Prussia defeated France and won French territory. The
remaining independent German states joined Prussia to become Germany.
In imperialism, a stronger nation controls weaker ones. The Industrial Revolution contributed
to this because Europeans needed the raw materials and markets in Asia and Africa.
Countries believed that having colonies made them important world powers. Since sea power
was important, colonies were used as naval bases.
In Asia, Britain took control of India, Burma, Ceylon, Malaya, and Singapore. France took
Indochina.
Many Europeans thought that imperialism was good because it improved health, transportation,
and education. Also, it brought jobs and industry to the colonies.
Many of the colonial people thought imperialism was bad. European factories in Africa and
Asia destroyed native industry. The colonial people had no control over their government or
natural resources.
After 1842, Britain, France, Germany, and Russia divided China into trading areas, or spheres
of influence.
After 1867, Japan modernized and went to war against China and then Russia. It won Korea
and trading rights in China.