U2 Definitions & Examples

Imperialism

A policy of extending a countries influence and power through diplomatic or military force

Ethnocentrism

The act of judging another culture by values, standards, and norms of another’s culture, often leading to the belief that one’s culture is better than the other.

Eurocentrism

A worldview that positions European culture, history and values above all other parts of the world, and that they are the superior standard for everyone else.

Economic motivation behind imperialism

Imperialism would give economic advantages to the mother country and the colonies

Strategic motivation behind imperialism

Acquiring colonies ensured the protection of the mother country and in strategic places, protect transit lines and lines of communication

Colonization motivation behind imperialism

Nations searched for places to put extra population.

Some people wanted to search for better lives and sometimes freedom from religious oppression.

Some were forced to leave because they were criminals

Religious motivation behind imperialism

Some felt it was their duty to convert other people to their religion (christianity)

Paternalistic/Humanitarian motivation behind imperialism

• A condescending belief that it was their duty to help a colony with political and economic organization.

• Idea of Social Darwinism - warped the view of Charles Darwin’s idea: Belief that the human race was in evolution and that the “white race” was the most developed

Mercantilism definition

The idea that the state or government should develop a countries wealth by seeking new markets for resources that they could bring back to transform and sell

When was mercantilism popular

16th-19th century

Who controlled trade in a mercantilist system

The government

Canadian mercantilist example

The fur trade

Capitalism definition

The idea where private companies and individuals produce and sell goods in response to demand (rather than government control)

Adam Smith

Economist who advocated for capitalism

Industrialization

The change in production from a domestic to factory system (fuelled imperialism)

Where did industrialization start

Great Britain

Karl Marx

Economist who advocated for communism