New Imperialism period

Definition

The New Imperialism period refers to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when European powers expanded their empires aggressively, particularly in Africa and Asia, driven by industrialization, economic interests, nationalism, and social Darwinism. This era was characterized by a scramble for colonies, resulting in significant geopolitical shifts and profound effects on colonized regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Imperialism period saw European powers like Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium aggressively expand their empires, with over 90% of Africa being claimed by European nations by 1914.
2. Economic motivations played a crucial role during this period, as industrialized nations sought new markets and raw materials to fuel their growing economies.
3. Nationalism surged during this time, as countries competed for global dominance and prestige through the acquisition of colonies.
4. The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 was a pivotal moment that regulated European colonization and trade in Africa, leading to the formalization of territorial claims by various powers.
5. The effects of New Imperialism were profound, including the exploitation of local populations, cultural assimilation, economic dependency, and long-lasting impacts on the political landscapes of colonized regions.

Review Questions

• How did economic interests drive the New Imperialism period in Europe?
  • Economic interests were a significant driving force behind the New Imperialism period as industrialized nations sought new markets for their manufactured goods and access to raw materials necessary for production. The rapid industrial growth created a need for resources such as rubber, oil, and minerals that were often found in colonized regions. This quest for economic expansion not only fueled the acquisition of colonies but also led to exploitative practices that benefited European economies at the expense of local populations.
• Evaluate the impact of Social Darwinism on justifying imperialist actions during the New Imperialism period.
  • Social Darwinism provided a pseudo-scientific rationale for imperialism by suggesting that certain races were inherently superior and destined to dominate others. This belief system legitimized the conquest and exploitation of non-European societies as a natural order, reinforcing notions of racial hierarchy. It not only justified imperialist actions but also influenced policies that led to cultural assimilation efforts and systemic racism in colonized regions, with long-lasting repercussions on societal structures.
• Analyze how the outcomes of the Berlin Conference shaped the geopolitical landscape in Africa during the New Imperialism period and its lasting consequences.
  • The outcomes of the Berlin Conference significantly shaped Africa's geopolitical landscape by formalizing European claims to African territories without consideration for existing ethnic or cultural boundaries. This partitioning led to arbitrary borders that disregarded local contexts, fostering ethnic tensions and conflicts that persist to this day. The division of Africa among European powers established a legacy of instability and contributed to ongoing struggles for independence and national identity in post-colonial states.

Related terms

Scramble for Africa: The rapid invasion and colonization of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century, which led to the partitioning of the continent among various European nations.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Social Darwinism: A social theory that applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, often used to justify imperialism and racial superiority.