Unit 6: New Ideologies and the Second Wave of Imperialism (1750-1900)

Context and Background

Previous Period (Pre-1750):
- Western European states focused on building maritime empires.
- Dominated Indian Ocean trade.
- Colonized the Americas.
Current Period:
- New wave of imperialism despite Enlightenment ideas about liberty and self-governance.
- Motivations still include God, gold, and glory, with added nuances.

Nationalism
- Definition: Sense of commonality based on shared language, religion, and customs, linked with self-rule.
- Change: Shift from loyalty to sovereigns (kings, queens, emperors) to loyalty to one's nation.
- Impact:
  - Led to unification of Italy and Germany.
  - Fueled imperial ambitions and rivalries as nations sought to prove their greatness by building empires.
Scientific Racism
- Definition: Hierarchical ranking of humans based on race.
- Historical Context: Previously, divisions were religious (Christian vs. non-Christian), now secular and "scientific."
- Practices:
  - Phrenology: Studied skull shapes to claim racial superiority.
  - Justified European imperial domination over "child races."
Social Darwinism
- Foundation: Based on Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection.
- Application to Society:
  - Belief that Western societies were "fittest" due to wealth and power.
  - Justified domination of weaker nations by stronger ones.
Civilizing Mission
- Definition: Duty of Western societies to bring their civilization to "lower" ones.
- Goals:
  - Convert colonized peoples to Christianity.
  - Reorganize colonial governments and impose Western education.
  - Suppress indigenous cultures and languages.

These ideologies contributed to the distinct wave of imperialism in this period.
Next lecture will explore how these ideologies manifested in specific imperial actions.

Review guide available with videos, guides, and practice exams for further study.