5 REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM What is Imperialism and

5 REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM What is Imperialism and why did countries pursue it?

ECONOMIC • Imperialism provided raw materials (natural resources) • Countries didn’t want to deplete their own resources. • Reduced the need to rely on other countries for trade with high tariffs (taxes)

POLITICAL • Nationalism: Pride in one’s own nation • Loyalty+devotion-so much so that believe own nation’s above others • Recognition as World Power • “Plant your flag” • Increase power and prestige over others-Be # 1 imperialist country in the world • Countries are in competition and took territories to prevent their rivals from getting it

MILITARY • National Security: Protection and Military advantage • Fueling station for Navy • Strategically located for battle or just to fill up on supplies or for travel

CULTURAL • Social Darwinism: application of Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” to human societies • Strong survive, the weak or poor are unfit • The belief that Europeans were the superior races while Asian and African people were inferior • Noble duty to uplift and enlighten “uncivilized” people

RELIGIOUS • Missionaries spread Christianity (spread of thoughts and ideas about how to live your life) • Religion encouraged imperialism because they felt needed to acquire territory in order to Christianize people. • Under Christianity all people equal in the eye’s of God • This idea was in direct conflict with Social Darwinism led to many disputes between competing nations • Hypocrisy: Spoke of uplifting people, but this idea was motivated by profit and greed