Imperialism and Economic Motivations in 19th Century Europe

AICE International History

Imperialism

Extending a nation's power through political control.

Colonialism

Establishing colonies to exploit other countries economically.

Mercantilism

Economic policy promoting competition for limited global wealth.

Long Depression

Period of deflation from 1873 to 1896.

Raw Materials

Commodities exploited from territories for industrial use.

Entrepreneurs

Individuals seeking monopolies to eliminate competition.

Nationalism

Belief in national superiority driving expansionism.

Two Power Standard

British naval policy ensuring superiority over two rivals.

French Imperialism

Efforts to spread French culture to colonized peoples.

Social Policy

Imperialism framed as beneficial for all social classes.

Urban Poor

Population facing dire conditions in industrial cities.

Suez Canal

Strategic route to India, enhancing British control.

New Imperialism

Intensified expansion from 1871 to 1914.

Geographic Scope

Focus on Africa and Asia for valuable resources.

Treaty of Berlin

1885 agreement establishing rules for African expansion.

USA Imperialism

Engagement in Latin America and military base establishment.

Quinine

Effective treatment for malaria, aiding African expansion.

Bessemer Process

Steel production method enabling steamship construction.

Telegraph Network

Improved communication for administering overseas territories.

Fast-firing Rifles

New weapons giving Europeans an advantage in conflicts.

Social Diversion

Distraction from social issues through overseas expansion.

Jack the Ripper

Notorious case highlighting urban social issues in London.

Economic Motives

Push for new markets to stimulate demand.

Political Motives

Nationalism and strategic control driving imperial expansion.

Failures of Colonialism

Costly expansions and independence movements in colonies.

Ideological Justifications

Opposition to slavery and racial superiority theories.