Causes of Imperialism: 1750-1900

Mar 10, 2025

Heimler's History: Unit 6 - AP World History (1750-1900)

Introduction

  • Time Period: 1750-1900
  • Focus: Imperialism (contrast to Unit 5 which focused on Revolutions)
  • Key Question: What caused the surge in imperialistic endeavors?

Causes of Imperialism

  1. Cultural Reasons

    • European Superiority: Belief in cultural superiority and duty to spread it
      • Phrase: "white man's burden" by Rudyard Kipling
      • "Little brown brothers" - William Howard Taft
    • Social Darwinism: Application of Darwin's theories to justify imperialism
      • Strong nations were justified in dominating weaker ones
    • Religious Zeal: European missionaries spread Christianity
      • Established schools and hospitals
      • Contributed to the abolition of the slave trade

  2. Nationalist Motives

    • Definition: Nationalism as a strong common identity leading to loyalty to a state
    • Major Players:
      • Britain: Global empire post-American colonies, "the sun never set on the British empire"
      • France: Colonies in North Africa (Algeria), West Africa (Senegal), Indochina
      • Japan: Empire building post-Meiji Restoration, involved in Sino-Japanese War (1894)
        • Japan's victory over China led to the colonization of Korea

  3. Economic Motives

    • Industrial Revolution: Demand for raw materials and new markets
    • Trade Agreements: With local rulers in India, East Indies, and East Africa
      • Rights to establish and defend trading posts
    • Military Conquest: European powers raised armies to protect economic interests
    • Economic Dominance: By the mid-19th century, Britain had the wealthiest economy
    • Emerging Challenges: United States as a competitor
    • Global Impact: Asia, Africa, and Pacific nations were adversely affected

Conclusion

  • Recap: Cultural, nationalist, and economic factors fueled imperialism
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Note: This summary covers the principal themes and details presented in the Unit 6 introduction of AP World History, focusing particularly on the causes of imperialism during the period 1750-1900.

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