Age of New Imperialism

Definition

The Age of New Imperialism refers to a period during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when European powers, along with the United States and Japan, expanded their empires through aggressive colonization, economic exploitation, and political domination of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. This era is characterized by a race among industrialized nations to acquire territories and resources, driven by motivations such as economic interests, national prestige, and a belief in cultural superiority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of New Imperialism was marked by the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European powers divided Africa among themselves without considering indigenous cultures or political structures.
2. Economic motivations played a crucial role in New Imperialism, as industrialized nations sought new markets for their goods, sources of raw materials, and profitable investment opportunities.
3. Technological advancements in transportation and communication, such as steamships and telegraphs, facilitated rapid imperial expansion and control over distant territories.
4. Nationalism fueled competition among European powers during this period, as countries sought to enhance their global status through territorial acquisitions.
5. The Age of New Imperialism often resulted in significant cultural disruptions and conflicts in colonized regions, leading to resistance movements that aimed to reclaim sovereignty and identity.

Review Questions

• How did economic motivations drive the Age of New Imperialism and shape the actions of European powers?
  • Economic motivations were at the heart of the Age of New Imperialism. European powers were in search of new markets to sell their industrial goods and new sources of raw materials to fuel their growing industries. This quest for resources led to aggressive colonization efforts in Africa and Asia, where territories were often exploited without regard for local populations or cultures. The competition for profitable investments further intensified these imperial ambitions as countries sought to outdo one another in acquiring colonies.
• Evaluate the impact of the Berlin Conference on the territorial divisions in Africa during the Age of New Imperialism.
  • The Berlin Conference had a profound impact on Africa's political landscape by formalizing the partitioning of the continent among European powers. It disregarded existing tribal boundaries and social structures, leading to arbitrary divisions that often placed rival ethnic groups within the same colonies. This lack of consideration for local contexts sowed discord that would have long-lasting effects on African societies and contributed to conflicts that persist even today. The conference exemplified the disregard for African sovereignty in favor of European interests.
• Analyze how ideologies such as nationalism and the concept of the 'White Man's Burden' justified imperialistic actions during this period.
  • Nationalism played a key role in justifying imperialism as countries sought to assert their power on the global stage. This competitive spirit was fueled by a belief that having a vast empire enhanced national prestige. Additionally, the ideology known as the 'White Man's Burden' suggested that it was the duty of Western nations to civilize 'lesser' cultures, providing a moral justification for imperial conquests. This paternalistic view often masked the exploitative nature of imperial rule and contributed to widespread social disruption in colonized regions.

Related terms

Scramble for Africa:

The rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century, leading to significant political and social changes in Africa.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country or territory, often involving the settlement of colonizers and the exploitation of resources and people.

White Man's Burden:

A paternalistic belief that Western nations had a moral obligation to 'civilize' non-Western societies, often used to justify imperialist actions.