The Causes of Imperialism
In this lesson, students will be able to identify
and/or define the following terms:
Imperialism
Causes of Imperialism
Social Darwinism
Balance of Power
E. Napp
Imperialism refers to the political and
economic control of one area or country
by another.
E. Napp
Nationalism in Europe led to a renewed
interest in expansion. Europeans
conquered land in Asia and Africa
between 1870 and 1900.
E. Napp
Despite the independence of the
United States and Latin America,
European imperialism continued in
Africa and Asia.
E. Napp
New European countries like Belgium,
Germany, and Italy wanted colonies.
In this photograph, an African is holding
a severed hand. In the Belgian Congo,
if an African did not supply enough rubber,
his hand was cut off.
E. Napp
There were many reasons for this
renewed interest in conquest and
imperialism. New technology – such
as steamships, rifles, telegraphs, and
better medicines- made it possible
to conquer the African and Asian interiors.
E. Napp
There were economic motives for
Imperialism. Europeans needed
cheap raw materials to keep their
factories busy.
E. Napp
Nationalism was a motive. Europeans
wanted colonies to demonstrate their
power.
E. Napp
European countries also wanted to
preserve the balance of power among
themselves. When one country acquired
a colony, other countries felt the same
was necessary.
E. Napp
Many Europeans believed in Social
Darwinism. Social Darwinism was the
belief that some societies were more
successful because their cultures were
superior.
E. Napp
Some Europeans and Americans believed
it was their responsibility to conquer and
“improve” the conquered peoples’ cultures.
E. Napp
As European imperialists “carved” up
Asia and Africa, European missionaries
journeyed to conquered lands to spread
Christianity.
E. Napp
While Europeans profited from
imperialism, conquered peoples
suffered greatly.
E. Napp
Questions for Reflection:
• Define imperialism.
• What was an economic cause of
imperialism?
• How did technology affect conquest?
• Why did nationalism contribute to
imperialism?
• Why did Social Darwinism contribute to
imperialism?
E. Napp