Imperialism
Definition:
It refers to the colonial expansion of the European powers in Africa, Asia, India and Latin America during XIX and XX century.
Background:
Because ofthe Second Industrial Revolution western countries needed other resources to fuel European industries.
Therefore, in the XIX century there was a new phase of Western expansion into Asiaand Africa.
Why? Asia and Africa were societies with a source of industrial raw materials and a market for Western manufactured goods.
Diference between the Old and the New Imperialism:In the 1880’s European states began looking for an extension of their nation’s power over other lands = NEW IMPERIALISM
This concept was not new: during the age of exploration (XVI century)Europeans set up colonies in North and South America and Africa and in the Indian Ocean = OLD IMPERIALISM.
The difference between the Old and the New imperialism is that in the NI, theEuropean states sought direct control over the territories.
Motives.
Motives for the New Imperialism:
1. Economic motive: Capitalist states were looking for markets and raw materials fortheir industries. And they wanted to control the areas with these raw materials.
2. National prestige: European states were involved in rivalries. They believed that a nation could not begreat without colonies.
3. Social Darwinism and racism: In the struggle between nations, the fit are victorious. Racism is the belief that race determines traits and capabilities.
4.Religious and humanitarian motive: They believed that Europeans had a moral responsability to civilize primitive people. To many nations, Imperialism meant bringing the benefits of Westerndemocracy and capitalism to these societies.
Imperialist countries:
1. Great Britain
2. Belgium
3. France
4. Germany
5. Italy
6. Netherlands
7. Portugal
8. Spain
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