Era of Imperialism

Definition

The Era of Imperialism refers to the period during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when European powers expanded their empires across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. This period was characterized by the competition among European nations to acquire territories, exploit resources, and establish dominance over non-Western societies, often justified by ideologies like Social Darwinism and the belief in the civilizing mission.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Era of Imperialism saw major European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium, competing fiercely for control of African territories, leading to a dramatic increase in colonization.
2. Technological advancements in transportation and communication, such as steamships and telegraphs, played a crucial role in facilitating imperial expansion.
3. Imperialism led to significant cultural exchanges but also caused extensive exploitation and disruption of local economies and societies in colonized regions.
4. Resistance movements emerged in many colonized areas as local populations opposed foreign domination, leading to conflicts and uprisings against imperial powers.
5. The legacy of imperialism has continued to affect global relations, economic structures, and cultural identities in former colonies long after the official end of colonial rule.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements influence the expansion of empires during the Era of Imperialism?
  • Technological advancements such as steamships, railroads, and telegraphs significantly influenced the expansion of empires during the Era of Imperialism. These innovations allowed for faster movement of troops and resources, improving communication between colonies and their home countries. This enhanced connectivity enabled European powers to exert control more effectively over vast territories and manage their colonial operations with greater efficiency.
• Analyze the ideological justifications that European powers used to legitimize their imperial pursuits during this era.
  • European powers used several ideological justifications to legitimize their imperial pursuits during the Era of Imperialism. Notably, Social Darwinism suggested that stronger nations had a natural right to dominate weaker ones, while the 'White Man's Burden' proposed that it was the duty of Western nations to civilize non-Western societies. These ideas were often intertwined with economic interests, portraying imperialism as both a moral obligation and a means to acquire resources and markets.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Era of Imperialism on global relations and former colonies in contemporary times.
  • The long-term impacts of the Era of Imperialism on global relations are profound and multifaceted. Former colonies often face challenges rooted in colonial exploitation, including economic dependency, political instability, and social divisions. The arbitrary borders drawn by imperial powers have led to ongoing conflicts and tensions in many regions. Additionally, the cultural legacies of imperialism continue to influence identities and power dynamics in contemporary society, highlighting issues of neocolonialism and post-colonial struggles for self-determination.

Related terms

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, often involving the establishment of settlers and exploiting resources.

Scramble for Africa: The rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century.

White Man's Burden: A paternalistic notion that it was the duty of Western nations to educate and civilize non-Western peoples, often used to justify imperialism.