Question
Part Short Answer (10 points) 21. List and explain 3 main causes or historical justifications for imperialism. (6 points) 22. List and explain 2 effects of imperialism (4 points)
Solution
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Bryce
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Answer
**21. Three Main Causes/Justifications for Imperialism:*** **Economic Motives:** The Industrial Revolution created a massive demand for raw materials (like rubber, cotton, and minerals) and new markets for manufactured goods. European powers sought colonies to secure access to these resources and markets, often exploiting the colonized lands for their own economic gain. This was justified through arguments about free trade and the supposed benefits of bringing capitalism to "undeveloped" regions.* **Political and Strategic Motives:** Imperialism was driven by a desire for national prestige and power. Acquiring colonies was seen as a symbol of a nation's strength and influence on the world stage. Colonies also provided strategic military bases, allowing nations to project their power across the globe and control vital trade routes. This was often justified through appeals to national security and the need to compete with rival powers.* **Social and Cultural Justifications:** Many imperialists believed in the superiority of their own culture and civilization. They saw it as their duty to "civilize" and "Christianize" the "uncivilized" peoples of the world. This paternalistic and racist ideology, often referred to as the "white man's burden," was used to justify the imposition of European values, laws, and institutions on colonized populations. Missionary work and the spread of Western education were often intertwined with these justifications.**22. Two Effects of Imperialism:*** **Economic Exploitation and Dependency:** Imperialism often led to the exploitation of colonial resources and labor, hindering the development of local economies. Colonies became dependent on the imperial power for manufactured goods and were often forced to produce cash crops for export, neglecting the needs of their own populations. This created long-term economic imbalances and contributed to poverty in many former colonies.* **Cultural and Social Disruption:** Imperialism disrupted traditional social structures, political systems, and cultural practices in colonized societies. The imposition of foreign languages, religions, and values often led to the erosion of indigenous cultures and the creation of hybrid cultural forms. This process could be both destructive and creative, leading to both cultural loss and the emergence of new forms of cultural expression.