Imperialism and Colonialism

Grade 8 · Social Studies · Study Guide

An overview of how powerful nations expanded their control over weaker countries and territories in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Imperialism is the practice by which powerful nations extend political, economic, or military control over weaker territories. In the late 1800s, European powers and the United States rapidly expanded their global influence during a period often called the 'Age of Imperialism.'

Several motivations drove imperialism. Nations sought raw materials and new markets for their manufactured goods. Social Darwinism — the misapplied idea that some races were 'superior' — was used to justify conquest. Some argued it was a duty to 'civilize' other peoples, a belief Rudyard Kipling called 'the White Man's Burden.' Militarism and national prestige also pushed nations to acquire colonies.

By 1914, European powers controlled about 84% of the Earth's land surface. Britain's empire was the largest, spanning Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. France controlled much of West Africa. Belgium, Germany, and others also carved up territories. The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 saw European powers divide Africa among themselves with no input from Africans.

The United States also became imperialist. After winning the Spanish-American War in 1898, the U.S. gained control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The U.S. also annexed Hawaii in 1898 and exercised influence over Cuba through the Platt Amendment.

Colonized peoples faced forced labor, loss of land, cultural suppression, and violence. Resistance movements arose across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, laying the groundwork for the independence movements of the 20th century.

Key terms

Imperialism: A policy by which powerful nations extend control over weaker countries through political, economic, or military means.
Colonialism: The practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, often exploiting their resources and people for the benefit of the colonizing power.
Berlin Conference (1884–1885): A meeting of European powers that divided Africa among them without any African representation.
Social Darwinism: The misapplication of Darwin's theory of evolution to justify racial hierarchy and colonial domination.
Spanish-American War (1898): A brief conflict in which the U.S. defeated Spain, gaining control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
White Man's Burden: A phrase from Rudyard Kipling's poem expressing the racist idea that white Europeans had a duty to 'civilize' non-white peoples.

Flashcards

Imperialism: Extending a nation's power over others through economic, military, or political control.
Colonialism: Establishing and maintaining colonies in foreign territories; often involves exploitation of local resources and people.
Berlin Conference (1884–85): European powers divided Africa among themselves without any African representatives present.
Spanish-American War (1898): U.S. defeated Spain; gained Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines; marks U.S. emergence as an imperial power.
Social Darwinism: Misuse of evolutionary theory to claim racial hierarchy and justify colonizing 'inferior' peoples.
White Man's Burden: Racist idea (from Kipling poem) that white Europeans had a duty to 'civilize' non-European peoples.
Platt Amendment (1901): U.S. law giving the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and maintain a naval base there.
Annexation of Hawaii (1898): U.S. acquisition of Hawaii, driven by desire for a Pacific naval base and access to sugar plantations.

Questions

What was the purpose of the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885?
1. To negotiate peace in Europe after WWI
2. To allow European nations to divide Africa among themselves
3. To establish free trade between European countries
4. To discuss the rights of colonized peoples
Show answer
Answer: To allow European nations to divide Africa among themselves
The Berlin Conference (1884–1885) was organized by European powers to peacefully divide Africa into spheres of influence; no African leaders were consulted.
After winning the Spanish-American War of 1898, the United States gained control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the ________.
Show answer
Answer: philippines
The Treaty of Paris (1898) that ended the Spanish-American War transferred Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
Social Darwinism was used to justify imperial conquest by claiming some races were naturally superior.
Show answer
Answer: True
Social Darwinism misapplied Darwin's biological theory to human societies, falsely claiming that 'superior' races had the right or duty to dominate others.
Which of the following was a major ECONOMIC motivation for imperialism?
1. Spreading democracy to other nations
2. Gaining access to raw materials and new markets
3. Reducing military spending
4. Ending the slave trade
Show answer
Answer: Gaining access to raw materials and new markets
Industrial nations needed raw materials for factories and new markets to sell finished goods — colonies provided both, making economic gain a primary imperialist motivation.
African nations were invited to participate in the Berlin Conference and helped draw the boundaries of African territories.
Show answer
Answer: False
African nations had no representation at the Berlin Conference; European powers drew borders without regard to African ethnic groups, languages, or political boundaries, causing conflicts that persist today.

Get a personalized course on Imperialism and Colonialism built around your child.