Intro to Imperialism

Question 1

What is Imperialism aka Colonialism?

Answer 1

when a strong country conquers and takes over a weaker country. The area that is taken over is known as a colony.

Question 2

What was happening during the 1800’s?

Answer 2

Many European nations (also called Western nations) such as Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy took over lands throughout Africa and Asia

Question 3

Imperialism in Africa

Answer 3

Scramble for Africa”- Over 90% of Africa was taken over by European countries that
scrambled (raced) to take over the continent.

Question 4

Why did European nations want to imperialize/colonize lands in
Africa and Asia?

Answer 4

• raw materials/natural resources: for their factories
• White Man’s Burden: racist poem where Europeans had to civilize African and Asian countries
• Social Darwinism: strong countries had the right to take over weak countries

Question 5

Imperialism in China

Answer 5

After the British began smuggling opium into China, the Chinese fought back in the famous Opium Wars. After being defeated, China was carved up into spheres of influence (areas where trade was controlled by different European nations).

Question 6

Imperialism in India

Answer 6

India was taken over by Great Britain (England) and ruled for almost 200 years.

Question 7

What was the Sepoy Mutiny?

Answer 7

rebellion in India to gain independence from
Great Britain (England). FAILED

Question 8

What was the Boxer Rebellion?

Answer 8

It was a rebellion in which China tried (but failed) to gain independence from
the various European (Western) nations that controlled them.