Hello ! Take your studying to the next level! For more organized and effective study
materials, check out my profile and flashcard shop Maggie's Flashcards - Payhip. From
notes to flashcards, I've got you covered!
Course : History
Theme : Colonialism
Topic : Reasons for 19th Century Imperialism
Years : 19th Century
In Text
The 19th century was marked by a surge in imperialism, with European powers
competing for colonies and territories around the world. There were five main reasons
that drove this phenomenon.
Firstly, the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism created a new era of
economic competition. As countries became industrialized, they needed to find new
markets and resources to fuel their growth. This led to a desire to expand and colonize
other territories, as countries sought to gain access to new markets, resources, and
cheap labor.
Secondly, nationalism played a significant role in driving imperialism. Many European
nations saw the expansion of their territory as a way to assert their national pride and
identity. They believed that it was necessary to spread their culture and values to other
parts of the world, and that this would bring them greater glory and prestige.
Thirdly, social Darwinism was another influential factor. This theory, popularized by
Charles Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species", posited that "survival of the fittest"
was the guiding principle of evolution. This idea was applied to human societies, with
some people believing that certain races were superior to others. This gave legitimacy to
wars of conquest and domination, as it was seen as a natural process of evolution.
Fourthly, Christianity played a role in colonialism as well. Many European powers used
their Christian faith as an excuse for expansion, claiming that they were bringing
civilization and salvation to "heathen" lands. This provided a moral justification for their
actions and allowed them to portray themselves as benevolent colonizers.
materials, check out my profile and flashcard shop Maggie's Flashcards - Payhip. From
notes to flashcards, I've got you covered!
Course : History
Theme : Colonialism
Topic : Reasons for 19th Century Imperialism
Years : 19th Century
In Text
The 19th century was marked by a surge in imperialism, with European powers
competing for colonies and territories around the world. There were five main reasons
that drove this phenomenon.
Firstly, the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism created a new era of
economic competition. As countries became industrialized, they needed to find new
markets and resources to fuel their growth. This led to a desire to expand and colonize
other territories, as countries sought to gain access to new markets, resources, and
cheap labor.
Secondly, nationalism played a significant role in driving imperialism. Many European
nations saw the expansion of their territory as a way to assert their national pride and
identity. They believed that it was necessary to spread their culture and values to other
parts of the world, and that this would bring them greater glory and prestige.
Thirdly, social Darwinism was another influential factor. This theory, popularized by
Charles Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species", posited that "survival of the fittest"
was the guiding principle of evolution. This idea was applied to human societies, with
some people believing that certain races were superior to others. This gave legitimacy to
wars of conquest and domination, as it was seen as a natural process of evolution.
Fourthly, Christianity played a role in colonialism as well. Many European powers used
their Christian faith as an excuse for expansion, claiming that they were bringing
civilization and salvation to "heathen" lands. This provided a moral justification for their
actions and allowed them to portray themselves as benevolent colonizers.
