Document #1 - The New Imperialism Its Causes and

Successes
Imperialism is the domination by one country of the political,
economic, or cultural life of another country or region. Most countries
that imperialized were from Western Europe, and had both a
Scientific and Industrial Revolution. These countries included
Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. All of these
countries imperialized because of economic, military, or social
reasons. Additionally, all these nations succeeded in their quest to
imperialize for a number of reasons.
One major reason for Western European imperialism was due to the
weakness and decline (failing) of many African, Asian, and Middle
Eastern countries. While European countries had grown stronger in the
1800s, several older civilizations were in decline, especially the
Ottoman Empire in the east, the Mughal Empire in India, and
Quing Dynasty in China. In West Africa, wars among the African
people and the declining population of Africa due to the slave trade
caused African kingdoms to become weak. Bad government, poverty
(being poor), wars, disease, and lack of technology had caused these
African kingdoms to become weak.
Besides countries being weaker, Western European countries were
able to imperialize due to the advancement and improvement in
technology and science. Europeans had strong governments, which
protected their peoples rights. They also had navies and armies using
the most up-to-date technology, such as steel ships, steam ships,
rifles, and the new fast firing Maxim Gun. The Industrial Revolution
led to the creation of large quantities (amount) of goods, being
created. Iron was used to create stronger armor. Improved medical
knowledge also played a major role in the success of imperialism.
New medicines helped Europeans survive deadly tropical disease in
Africa. Lastly, most Europeans went to school still the age of 14,
compared to Africans who were lucky to be able to read and write at
any age.

Part 1 Answer the following multiple-choice questions by choosing

the Best answer choice possible.
1) During the late 19th century, which geographic factor helped attract
European investors to Southern Africa and southeast Asia?
A) Temperate climates
B) Natural Resources
C) Navigable Rivers
D) Smooth Coastline
2) Which statement best expresses the motive for 19th century
European imperialism?
A) Imperialism would benefit the economies of the colonial powers
B) Living space was needed for the excess population in western
Europe
C) European nations would benefit from some aspects of the
conquered nations culture
D) European leaders believed imperialism was an effective method of
reducing the number of wars

Part 2 Answer ONE of the following questions. Be sure to read the

WHOLE question carefully. Each answer should consist of TEN
SENTENCES, with plenty of detail, evidence, examples, and analysis..
Or, Choose two questions to do with a minimum of six sentences.
1) In your own words, USING AT LEAST TWO OF THE DOCUMENTS,
discuss at least three reasons why Europeans wanted to imperialize?
Be sure to CITE THE DOCUMENT in your response.

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2) Why was European imperialism so successful? Be sure to discuss

the advantages and disadvantages of countries, areas and peoples.

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3) Would imperialism have occurred if the Industrial and Science
Revolutions never occurred in Western Europe? Why or why not?
Support your answer with clear evidence and examples.

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Extra Credit Only 4) Fill up all the lines below by discussing what
you learned today, or with any questions that you may have about
todays topic. This must be in YOUR OWN WORDS.

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