OGT Prep 2014 Imperialism Bell Ringers 1 imperialism

OGT Prep 2014 Imperialism Bell Ringers 1. imperialism

Definitions ► Imperialism – ambition of a powerful nation to dominate the political, economic, and/or cultural affairs of another country or region (BIG FISH EATS LITTLE FISH) ► Mercantilism – extending a nation’s power beyond its borders § Example: Britain using U. S. as a colony

Roots of Imperialism ► POLITICAL § Countries want to expand their power outside of their borders § Spread/force their government system § Military power…bases all around world § The people of the colonized country feel a loss of their political independence, ultimately try to revolt to gain their independence

Roots of Imperialism ► ECONOMIC § New markets for goods § New markets for sources of raw materials ►increased productivity § Profit § Businesses could sell goods to their colony and import the raw materials for cheap § Original people of that country are forced into a new economic system

Roots of Imperialism ► SOCIAL § The spread of ideas, culture, way of life ►“our way of life is better/right” § Spread of religion, sometimes force of religion upon an imperialized land ►“our beliefs are right” ►WHITE MAN’S BURDEN! § The natives feel oppressed, forced from their comfortable way of life and what they are used to

Perspective - Colonizers vs. Colonized ► Indigenous language § Colonizers - force their language on the colonized ► Language barrier at first § Colonized - indigenous language becomes the minority, burden to speak “their” language ► Natural Resources § Colonizers – PROFIT! They see it as economic jackpot for importing to their homeland mass production § Colonized – see it being tapped into and diminishing, like it is being stolen in a sense

Perspective - Colonizers vs. Colonized ► Labor § Colonizers – see that indigenous people as cheap labor § Colonized – either felt like the presented jobs were an upgrade over their life or they felt the opposite ► Political Systems § Colonizers – force their system upon the colonized § Colonized – not fully represented by the country…voting rights, but still may be taxed. Unfair!

Perspective - Colonizers vs. Colonized ► Religion § Colonizers – need to spread their beliefs because the colonized were people that need/would benefit from it; their beliefs are WRONG § Colonized – feel forced upon with religion, their native beliefs are being taken from them, sometimes in forceful manner

Eventually… ► Colonies eventually resent the industrialized country (the colonizers) and desire independence § Example – America fought for their independence from Britain ►Brazil from Portugal ►Rwanda from Belgium

OGT Question Q: In terms of economics, what was one underlying cause of imperialism? A. B. C. D. The United States wanted to import workers who would work for lower wages than American workers. Imperialism opened up new markets for goods and new sources for raw materials. American missionaries wanted to spread Christianity. Other countries had better factories and could produce goods more cheaply.

Answer B…economics was a key factor b/c businesses could sell goods to colonies, and at the same time, import their raw materials. A is wrong b/c they didn’t want to have foreign workers C is wrong b/c it isn’t asking for RELIGIOUS motivation D is wrong b/c we aren’t talking about competition with other countries…

OGT Question Q: In terms of religion, how did the colonizers view native peoples? The native people were heathens who would benefit from conversion to Christianity. B. Americans could learn from native religions. C. Christianity changed in order to incorporate practices and beliefs of native religions. D. Native’ religion was not considered; they were only valuable in terms of their ability to work. A.

Answer A is correct because religion played an important role to imperialism. B is wrong because missionaries felt their religion was supreme (the “right” one) C is wrong because Christianity did not change to accommodate natives D is wrong because imperialism isn’t just economic, religion plays a huge role too…