If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. Show If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.  Many civilizations in history grew into great empires through the policy of imperialism. Imperialism occurs when a powerful nation takes over or dominates a weaker nation or region. Sometimes they use political, economic, or military force to do this. The period between the 18th and 20th centuries is known as the Age of Imperialism. The largest European imperialist countries at this time were Britain, France, and Germany. In the late 1800’s, economic, political and religious motives prompted European nations to expand their rule over other regions with the goal to make the empire bigger. The Industrial Revolution of the 1800’s created a need for natural resources to fuel the newly invented machinery and transportation. Resources like coal, iron, and rubber were in high demand. Some nations did not have an abundance of raw materials and looked to other countries and lands to find them. Expanding outside of its borders also allowed a country to enter foreign markets that they needed to sell their industrial goods. Traditional industries became displaced as the manufacturing and markets moved to foreign countries. One such company, the British East Indian Company, became highly profitable by taking natural resources in India and selling goods in markets throughout the world. Imperialism was also influenced by nationalism, a sense of pride in one’s country. People were proud of their growing countries and their accomplishments. A famous saying from that time was “the sun never sets on the British Empire” meaning that the British empire was so vast that there was always a territory that had sun shining on it. This created a sense of competition among European countries to show off their power and prestige around the world. This competition ignited already heated tensions between European countries and conflicts began to spread. Imperialism is not only political and economic, but also cultural. When European powers took over foreign lands they felt superior to the natives. They looked down on them and felt that they needed to bring western culture and “civilize” and educate the “savage” population. This was often called the “White Man’s Burden”. Religion was an important part of imperialism. Christian missionaries looked to convert the natives to Christianity and also called for an end to slave trade in hopes to liberate Africa so it could become a western civilization. The 19th century was a revolutionary period for European history and a time of great transformation in all spheres of life. Human and civil rights, democracy and nationalism, industrialisation and free market systems, all ushered in a period of change and chance. By the end of the century Europe had reached the peak of its global power. Social and national tensions as well as international rivalries festered however - all exploding in conflict at the beginning of the 20th century. Audio guide:
The 19th century – an age of revolutions! Taking inspiration from the French Revolution of 1789, people across Europe challenged
aristocratic ruling classes and fought for the development of civil and human rights, democracy and national independence. Nationalism emerged as a revolutionary claim promising citizens more involvement in democracy, but it was exclusive, imagining a world of national territories inhabited by ethnically similar people. Some visionary Europeans, however, hoped for the unity of the continent beyond national allegiances. Audio guide: MARKETS AND PEOPLESteam, smoke, factories, noise – all announced the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain. To different degrees manufacturing then spread across Europe turning the continent into the world centre of industrialisation, finance and commerce. New technical innovations initiated industrial progress with steam power driving the development of heavy industry. Methods of production were totally transformed and large factories with thousands of workers mass produced industrial and consumer goods. Audio guides:
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYSpeed, dynamism and a belief in progress defined Europe at the end of the 19th century. Railways, electricity, cinema, photography and new theories in science and medicine affirmed Europe’s leading role in this technological coming of age. A time of optimism beckoned. The arrival of the age of railways demonstrated Europe’s advance as an assured technological world leader. Industrialisation expanded and long-distance travel became possible across all social classes. Audio guide:
IMPERIALISMThe 19th century witnessed a globally dominant Europe. Empires expanded, colonies amassed – all pushed energetically forward by the Industrial Revolution. Colonies provided the raw materials and luxury commodities to meet rising consumer demand, in return promising vast markets for European products. Abuse and inequality were excused as a necessary part of ‘civilising’ savage peoples. The gradual ending of slavery was followed by new forms of intolerance and racism. By 1914 European countries ruled about 30 % of the world’s population. Europe had been involved in overseas exploration and trade for centuries, but the benefits of the Industrial Revolution enabled Europe to tighten its grip on other continents. Audio guide:
Which was a reason for European imperialism in the late 19th century?In the late 1800's, economic, political and religious motives prompted European nations to expand their rule over other regions with the goal to make the empire bigger.
What are 3 impacts of imperialism?Imperialism impacted societies in countless negative ways. It led to slave trade which then led to social discrimination around the world. It also damaged the cultures and created disunity among the natives. Last but not least, imperialism stripped countries off their natural resources and left nothing for the natives.
What were 3 effects of European imperialism on Africa?Answer and Explanation: Three effects Africa encountered because of European Imperialism were shortages of natural resources, death of Africans from European diseases, and increase of wars and revolutions.
How did European imperialism affect Africa during the 19th century?Economic policies were adopted by Europeans who destroyed the colonies, rather than help them. Africa was damaged economically, politically, and culturally. Africa's traditional lifestyles and culture were destroyed. The Europeans had no interest in traditional African culture and had no concern for the Africans.
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