Image Attributions:
casablanca-Ocean waves and fishing boys (https://www.flickr.com/photos/guldem/16941494116/) - ustung - License: Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Mount Kilimanjaro at Sunset (Explored) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/romanboed/14159869063/) - romanboed - License: Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Canmore war bunker cave Alberta Canada (https://www.flickr.com/photos/davebloggs007/16756691691/) - davebloggs007 - License: Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
European Nationalism
Missionary Activity
Financial Gain
Humanitarian Ideals
Social Darwinism
Industrial Revolution
Nineteenth century Europe was a highly competitive, densely situated group of nations. Creating an overseas empire was an expression of pride in the nation.
The desire to convert local populations to Christianity was powerful. Europeans set up missions in most colonies, protectorates, and spheres of influence.
Many Europeans saw empires as a way to enrich themselves quickly. They exploited local labor to extract resources.
Some Europeans wanted to bring Western medicine, legal systems, and technology to improve the lives of indigenous people.
Darwin's idea of survival of the fittest was not meant to be applied to human beings. Nevertheless, many Europeans took the theory to justify their racist views of superiority. This made empire-building feel like the natural thing to do.
Booming industry in Western Europe created the need for raw materials and markets to sell goods. Creating an empire helped to satisfy those needs.
Motivations for European Imperialism
Raw Materials
Great Britain
Finished Products
Need for new natural resources
Need for new markets
Not sure how this is better than our traditional beliefs...
Debeers Diamond Mine
We need to end slavery in these lands! It violates the spirit of Enlightenment thinking.
I contend that we are the first race in the world, and the more of the world we inhabit, the better it is for the human race.
Cecil Rhodes
We will civilize these people....
You'll need to pull more than that if you expect a wage!
My nation is superior. It should be an empire!