Inquiry Question: What were the causes and consequences of European imperialism?

The Age of Imperialism in the 19th century was a flurry of European activity across the globe. During this period, Europe rose to a position of global dominance unknown in any previous time in human history. Armed with new technologies and the rapid economic development sparked by the Industrial Revolution, European states were capable of seizing distant territories, called colonies, in Africa, East Easia, and the Pacific. The causes of imperialism have long been a source of debate, however it was almost certainly a caused by a combination of factors including; markets for trade, extraction of natural resources (e.g. rubber, sugar), a “civilizing mission”, and national prestige. Furthermore, the competition for colonies and resources greatly heightened tensions between the great European powers. This became especially true with the newly formed German Empire whose young Emperor, Wilhelm II, was determined to carve out for his nation a “place in the sun”.

Video Questions (Copy/paste to your notes)

1. According to John Green, why did Europeans colonize and build empires in Africa and Asia?
2. How were Europeans able to colonize Africa and Asia in the 19^th century, according to John Green?
3. What were some of the consequences of European imperialism?

Key Terminology

Imperialism
Colony
Empire
Weltpolitik
Gunboat diplomacy
Scramble for Africa
Second Moroccan Crisis