Questions and Answers
What is the main focus of the Industrial Revolution?
What was a motivation behind the hunt for national resources?
Economic
What does the term 'national hegemony' refer to?
Political
Why did countries acquire territory from rivals?
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Which nation was recognized as the #1 imperialist nation?
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What was one of the arguments associated with social Darwinism?
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What did humanitarians believe was Europe's noble duty?
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What were colonies used for in military strategy?
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Why was the navy considered paramount?
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Study Notes
Economic Factors
- The Industrial Revolution significantly increased the demand for raw materials and markets for surplus goods.
- The hunt for national resources drove nations to acquire territories for economic gain.
- Economic rivalry among European nations intensified, leading them to compete fiercely for colonies.
Political Factors
- National hegemony aimed to assert dominance over territories and rival nations.
- Territorial acquisition was often pursued to prevent rivals from gaining strategic advantages.
- Great Britain emerged as the foremost imperialist power globally during this era.
- Recognition as a world power was a priority for every country, determining national prestige and strength.
- Imperialism was viewed as a measure of national greatness, reflecting the quantity and quality of a nation's colonies.
- Rivalry among European nations was fierce, driving aggressive expansionist policies.
Cultural Factors
- Social Darwinism justified imperialism by promoting the idea of European superiority over non-European races.
- European nations believed their wealth and power were indicators of their fitness and superiority.
- Colonizers viewed Asians and Africans as inferior, rationalizing their dominance.
- Humanitarian motives claimed a noble duty to uplift and civilize colonized peoples, reinforcing the notion of racial superiority.
Religious Factors
- The Missionary Impulse motivated nations to acquire territory for the purpose of spreading Christianity to indigenous populations.
Military Factors
- National security was a key concern, with countries seeking to protect their interests and colonies through military strength.
- Strategic advantages played a crucial role in territorial acquisition, establishing colonies as fueling stations for naval forces.
- The navy was considered paramount, underscoring the importance of maritime dominance in facilitating imperial ambitions.
- Certain regions, particularly key waterways, were recognized as strategically essential for military operations and supply routes.
- Growing military rivalry among European nations further fueled imperial expansion efforts.
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Description
Explore the key concepts behind imperialism with these flashcards. Each card covers significant terms such as the Industrial Revolution and National Hegemony, shedding light on their economic and political implications. Perfect for students looking to understand the motivations for imperialism in a historical context.