Western Imperialism

The Scramble for Africa

Imperialism• Stronger nations attempt to create empires

by dominating weaker (not necessarily

smaller) nations

– Economically

– Politically

– Culturally

– Militarily

4 Main Factors in the Growth

of Imperialism

1. Economic

2. Nationalistic

3. Military

4. Humanitarian

Economic Factors

• Industrialization created a need for more

natural resources

• Where were most natural resources

found?

Underdeveloped

Countries

Africa Asia

Military Factors

• Advances in technology

• Stronger armies & navies

• Need for military bases

• Africans & Asians could not compete

Nationalistic Factors

• Nationalism = a devotion to one’s nation

• Feelings of superiority

• White man = “civilized”

• Africans & Asians = “uncivilized”

• “The White Man’s Burden” (Rudyard

Kipling)

White Man’s Burden

By Rudyard Kipling

White man’s burden1. According to Kipling, and in your own

words, what was the "White Man’s Burden"?

2. What reward did Kipling suggest the "White Man" get for carrying his "burden"?

3. Who did Kipling think would read his poem? What do you think that this audience might have said in response to it?

Political Cartoon: The White Man’s

Burden

a

f

r

i

c

a The Mysterious

“Dark Continent”

How the scramble

began1870s

• Belgian King Leopold II-established trade with native Africans in the Congo

• This single act began an Imperialistic frenzy to Africa

The Berlin

Conference• Where: Berlin

(surprise), Germany

• When: 1884-1885

• Who: The US and 14 European nations

• Missing: Africans (weren’t invited!)

• Purpose: to avoid potential conflict in Africa

Created the following guidelines:

• Any sovereign power that wanted to

claim any territory should inform the

other powers

• Any such annexation should be

validated by effective occupation

• Treaties with African rulers were to be

considered a valid title to sovereignty

King Leopold

II

Belgium

Political cartoons

Bell ringer

• What are the 4 main causes of the

growth of Imperialism in the late

1800s?

Bell ringer

• What are the 4 main causes in the

growth of Imperialism in the late

1800s?

1. Economic factors

2. Political/militaristic factors

3. Humanitarian/religious factors

4. Social Darwinism

Your assignment…• Write a letter…

o You are to write a letter home (2 paragraphs) as if you were an African writing to a friend in another country explaining what has just happened in your country and how you feel.

o Use at least 5 facts you learned in class about imperialism.

o Be certain to explain HOW you feel and WHY you feel that way, now that the British/French/etc. have taken over your country. Creativity and believability are the keys to this part. (10 points)

• Create a political cartoon…