Imperialism

Question 1

What is Imperialism?

Answer 1

Three main forms of imperialism that developed were:
1. Colonies.
2. Protectorates.
3. Spheres of influence.

1. Build an empire and expand its dominion
2. The more land the better - genocide and violence are not the policies of imperialism
3. Culture is imposed - language, religion, etc.

Question 2

Reasons for imperialism?

Answer 2

1. Economic imperialism: Good for the wealth of countries
2. Imperialism is the nature of human beings: Part of the natural struggle for survival
3. Imperialism is moral: educating and liberating the poor people to bring them the blessing of a superior way of life.
4. The white man’s burden: task and duty of imposing and prompting Western civilization.

Question 3

What is Berlin Conference?

Answer 3

1. Scramble for Africa: Rationing of African land among the big players (everyone wants a piece of the continent)*
2. The legal claim of the Europeans that all of Africa could be occupied by anyone was established and the rules of annexation were established. They established a process for Europeans to cooperate rather than fight each other. The Berlin Conference justified imperialism for the European powers.
3. Main goal: satisfy each country’s imperial desires.
4. Outcome: Legalization of private colonies
   - Colony race begins
   - Competition and the clash between nations intensify (consequence: World War I)
   - They stopped African slavery in the sense of buying people because they now have colonies and internal pressure