Why was imperialism a significant force for late 19th Century Europe

Mercantilism

Mercantilism

An economic policy where the most powerful European nations aimed to increase wealth through trade by gaining overseas possessions to access raw materials, labor, and valuable products.

Industrialization

The rapid expansion of European industry during the 19th century, driven by the need for new sources of raw materials and markets to sell goods, leading to the search for overseas possessions.

Nationalism

The late 19th-century increase in nationalism in Europe, with countries like Germany and Italy seeking to establish themselves as newly unified states, using overseas possessions as symbols of national pride and power.

Scramble for Africa

The late 19th-century rush by European nations to acquire territories in Africa, driven by factors like economic motives, political ambitions, and the belief in racial superiority.

Indirect Rule

A form of colonial governance established by Britain in some African territories, where local leaders were allowed to govern under European oversight, contrasting with direct rule by other European powers.

Mission Civilisatrice

A French concept where missionary societies worked to spread Catholicism in Africa, used by the government to justify imperialism as a means of bringing Christianity and civilization to the continent.

German Nationalism

The promotion of a unified German identity among people of different cultural backgrounds in Germany.

German Imperialism

The expansion of German influence and acquisition of territory through missionary work, information gathering, and cultural promotion.

Opposition to Imperialism

Various reasons for resisting the practice of seizing land from local inhabitants, including moral objections and negative impacts on the imperializing country.

New Imperialism

The period of increased imperial expansion characterized by economic, social, and political costs, as highlighted by John Hobson in his 1902 book.

Liberalism

The political ideology advocating for tax-free trade and greater trading links within Europe as opposed to costly imperialism, as supported by economists and politicians like John Hobson.