The History of Imperialism - Motivations for European Imperialism - age of imperialism storyboard
Testo Storyboard
Need for new natural resources
Industrial Revolution
Need for new markets
European Nationalism
My nation is superior. It should be an empire!
Missionary Activity
We will civilize these people....
Booming industry in Western Europe created the need for raw materials and markets to sell goods. Creating an empire helped to satisfy those needs.
Raw Materials
Finished Products
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.
Not sure how this is better than our traditional beliefs...
Social Darwinism
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.
Motivations for European Imperialism
Humanitarian Ideals
We need to end slavery in these lands! It violates the spirit of Enlightenment thinking.
Financial Gain
Debeers Diamond Mine
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.
Cecil Rhodes
Great Britain
Some Europeans wanted to bring Western medicine, legal systems, and technology to improve the lives of indigenous people.
Many Europeans saw empires as a way to enrich themselves quickly. They exploited local labor to extract resources.
You'll need to pull more than that if you expect a wage!
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