The Motives of Imperialism

What is Imperialism

• When one country expands their rule and control over other "weaker" countries or territories.

What motivates countries to become Imperial Powers

Political Motives

• Countries wanted more territories for more control over the world and more places for their military

Economic Motives

• Imperial governments sought ways to maximize profit by using new colonial territories to extract resources and cheap labor

Nationalism

• Nations believed their country was superior to other countries. More territory= Greater nation

Social Darwinism

• European nations had the belief that their "civilized" race and culture, through "natural selection" was superior to the other "uncivilized" peoples of the world

Religious

• Many nations justified their take over of weaker countries in order to bring christianity to new populations