Unit 6: Second Wave of Imperialism (1750-1900)

Introduction

• Discusses the ideologies leading to a new wave of imperialism
• Continuation of European maritime empires to land-based
• Enlightenment ideas vs. imperialism contradiction
• New motivations and ideologies due to Industrial Revolution

Ideologies Leading to Imperialism

1. Nationalism

• Definition: Commonality among people based on shared language, religion, customs, and desire for self-rule
• Shift from Sovereignty: From subjects of a sovereign to nationalistic loyalties
• Influence in Europe: Led to unification of Italy and Germany
• Impact on Imperialism: Fueled rivalries among states to expand empires

2. Scientific Racism

• Definition: Hierarchical ranking of humans based on race
• Historical Context: Continuation from religious us vs. them to racial divisions
• Pseudo-sciences: Phrenology used to justify racial superiority
  • Larger skulls of white people perceived as a sign of superiority
• Justification: Used to rationalize European dominance over "child races"

3. Social Darwinism

• Theory Origin: Based on Charles Darwin’s natural selection
• Application to Society: Rationalizing that Western societies were superior due to success and power
  • Fittest societies should dominate weaker ones

4. Civilizing Mission

• Purpose: Duty to bring Western civilization to "lower civilizations"
• Methods:
  • Convert populations to Christianity
  • Reorganize colonial governments, imposing Western education and culture
  • Suppress indigenous languages and traditions

Conclusion

• Combination of ideologies fueled the second wave of imperialism
• Upcoming discussion on how these ideologies influenced actual imperial practices

• Resources: AP World history review guide for additional practice and study materials
• Encouragement to continue reviewing for Unit 6