IMperialism
- Imperialism is the advocacy of extending power by gaining political or economical control of other areas.
- In the late 18th century and early 19th century, the U.S. pursued expansionism and expansion of their political and economical influence around the world.
- In the 1800s, European countries had control of Asia, Africa, and South America.
- The Industrial Revolution had made the European economy stronger, which gave them power to try and take over other countries.
- Europe was moving to a greater democracy, but others were suffering.
- European countries sought for dominating other nations.
- The Industrial Revolution made the economy of Europe stronger. So, European countries sought for dominating other nations.
- They had economic interest and Europeans were seeking for natural resources.
- Europeans invaded some harbors and islands to make their trade easier.
- Some Europeans had humanitarian goals, and so they opened schools to civilize the primary people, and they educated them.
- Other Europeans thought that they had to spread Christianity in these countries, which was their religious goal.
- In Europe, people had democracy, and they were moving toward a greater democracy. However, Europeans were treating other people undemocratic, outside Europe, which was the irony.
- Many Europeans believed in Social Darwinism, during the imperialism period, in the 1800’s. Social Darwinism was the survival of the fittest.
- Great Britain controlled India. The British brought India railroads, telegraphs, and postal services.
- In 1857, the Indians' distrust in the Europeans brought on a revolt, called the Sepoy Mutiny.
- The revolt was caused because the British were issuing their Indians troops new bullets greased with cow and pig fat, which was cow is sacred to Hindus and pig is forbid to Muslims.
- During that period, the leader of the India was Gandhi. Gandhi set up a movement based on non-violence, to kick out Britain from India.
- Also, during the imperialism, Spain controlled much of South America.
- The leader of South America was Simon Bolivar who tried to free most of it, and he succeeded by kicking out the Spanish people, and they got their independence.