Age of Imperialism

Definition

The Age of Imperialism refers to the period from the late 19th century to the early 20th century when powerful European nations and the United States expanded their empires by colonizing and exerting control over vast territories in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. This era was marked by a strong belief in the superiority of Western culture and a desire for economic gain, leading to significant political, social, and cultural changes in colonized regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Age of Imperialism, major powers like Britain, France, Germany, and the United States competed fiercely for overseas colonies, driven by economic interests and national pride.
2. This era saw the establishment of protectorates and spheres of influence, where imperial powers exerted control without full governance over local populations.
3. The belief in manifest destiny played a role in justifying American expansionist policies during this period, as many Americans felt destined to spread their culture and values.
4. The Age of Imperialism led to significant cultural exchanges but also resulted in exploitation, oppression, and resistance movements in colonized regions.
5. Key events during this period include the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European powers formalized their claims to African territories without regard for indigenous populations.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of Social Darwinism influence the actions of imperialist nations during the Age of Imperialism?
  • Social Darwinism provided a justification for imperialist nations by suggesting that their dominance over others was a natural result of superior traits. This belief rationalized the expansion of empires as a means of civilizing supposedly 'lesser' societies. As a result, imperialist nations felt entitled to invade and control other regions, claiming that they were fulfilling a moral obligation to spread progress and civilization.
• In what ways did manifest destiny connect to American actions during the Age of Imperialism?
  • Manifest destiny was an essential part of American ideology that suggested it was the nation's divine right to expand across North America. During the Age of Imperialism, this belief extended beyond continental borders as Americans pursued overseas territories. Events like the annexation of Hawaii and involvement in the Philippines illustrated how manifest destiny fueled ambitions for empire-building beyond traditional boundaries.
• Evaluate the impact of the Scramble for Africa on both European powers and African societies during the Age of Imperialism.
  • The Scramble for Africa significantly impacted European powers as they competed for resources and strategic advantages on the continent, leading to increased national prestige and economic benefits. However, this competition had dire consequences for African societies, resulting in loss of sovereignty, exploitation of resources, cultural disruption, and social upheaval. The imposition of colonial rule often disregarded existing social structures and led to resistance movements that shaped future struggles for independence.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Social Darwinism:

A social theory that applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, often used to justify imperialist expansion and racial superiority.

Scramble for Africa: The rapid invasion, colonization, and annexation of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century.