Era of imperialism

Definition

The Era of Imperialism refers to the period from the late 19th century to the early 20th century when powerful nations expanded their empires by acquiring territories and establishing political, economic, and cultural dominance over other regions. This era was characterized by aggressive expansionist policies, often justified by ideologies such as Social Darwinism and the belief in the civilizing mission, significantly impacting global politics and economics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Era of Imperialism was marked by significant territorial acquisitions by European powers, including Britain, France, and Germany, across Africa and Asia.
2. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalized the scramble for Africa, where major powers negotiated territorial claims without considering the interests of African peoples.
3. Economic motives, such as the search for new markets and raw materials, were key drivers behind imperialist policies during this era.
4. Imperialism had profound effects on colonized regions, including exploitation of resources, disruption of local economies, and imposition of foreign cultural values.
5. Resistance movements arose in various colonized nations in response to imperialist policies, leading to struggles for independence and self-determination in the mid-20th century.

Review Questions

• How did economic motives drive the policies during the Era of Imperialism?
  • Economic motives were central to the Era of Imperialism as nations sought new markets for their industrial products and sources for raw materials. The Industrial Revolution had led to increased production capacities, and imperial powers looked to expand their territories to secure resources like rubber, oil, and minerals. This quest for economic gain often justified military actions and colonial policies that subjugated local populations.
• Evaluate the impact of the Berlin Conference on Africa during the Era of Imperialism.
  • The Berlin Conference had a profound impact on Africa as it effectively divided the continent among European powers without any regard for indigenous populations or existing political boundaries. This led to arbitrary divisions that disrupted traditional societies and cultures. The conference set off a wave of colonization that resulted in widespread exploitation, resource extraction, and significant social upheaval across the continent.
• Analyze how ideologies like Social Darwinism influenced attitudes towards imperialism in this era.
  • Social Darwinism played a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards imperialism by promoting the idea that certain races or nations were superior to others. This belief provided a pseudo-scientific justification for imperial expansion, with colonial powers viewing their dominance as a natural order. It fostered a sense of entitlement among imperial nations to conquer and civilize 'inferior' peoples, reinforcing racial hierarchies that had lasting effects on global relations and contributing to widespread human rights abuses during colonization.

Related terms

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country and exploiting it economically, often involving the settlement of colonists.

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for independence or dominance over others.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief in the United States that it was destined to expand across the North American continent, influencing attitudes toward imperialism.