Chapter 24 The New Imperialism 1800-1914

24.1 Building Overseas Empires

@ Motives Driving New Imperialism
Imperialism is the domination by one country of political, economic, cultural life of another
country or religion.
New imperialism: an aggressive path of expansion
1. Economic interests
- Access to natural resources around the world
- Have new market of consumers
- Outlet for Europe’s growing population
2. Political motives
- Needed bases around the world to take supplies
- Increased a nation’s prestige
3. Military motives
- National security
4. Humanitarian/religious goals
- Spread religion ideas, faith, traditions
5. Social Darwinism
- Believed that Europeans are superior than others
- Domination is just simply nature’s way of improving the human species as a whole
 The Rapid Speed of Western Imperialism
1. Newer African states were not strong enough to resist
2. Western advantages: advanced technology, well-organized gov’t, strong economics, medical
care, machine guns……
3. Some areas tried to strengthen their power by reforming religions like Hindu, Muslim, or
traditions like Confucian
@ Criticism of Imperialism Arises
@ Forms of Imperial Rule
1. Direct rule
Eg: French.
French officials came to administer directly, imposed French culture and tried to turn colonies into
provinces
2. Indirect Rule~ Protectorate
Eg: British.
British gave local rulers the chance to rule for them.
Westernized generation came to rule later.
3. Sphere of Influence
Eg. Europeans on China
Areas in which an outside power claimed exclusive investment and trading privileges