CONTENT STATEMENT
Imperial expansion had political, economic and social roots.
CONTENT ELABORATION
By the early 20th century, many European nations, as well as Japan, extended their control over other lands and created empires based on imperialism. Their motivations had economic, political, and social roots.
The political motivations for imperialism included the desire to appear more powerful, bolster nationalism, and provide security through the building of military bases overseas (militarism). Japanese leaders wanted to exert the power of Japan and confront Western imperialism by engaging in imperialist actions. Japan used its military might to establish footholds in Taiwan, China, and Korea.
Economic motivations were tied to production and consumption of goods. There was a need for new markets, raw materials and outlets for population growth.
European powers used spheres of influence to establish economic control in China. Economic influences of imperialism include:
- consumption;
- exploitation of labor;
- exploitation of raw materials;
- spheres of influence; and
- free market.
The social roots for imperial expansion included the spread of Western values and the vision of some that it was “the white man’s burden” to civilize those perceived as uncivilized. There also were humanitarian concerns and the spread of Christianity. The social roots of imperialism also included paternalism and social Darwinism.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Describe the political, economic, and social causes of imperialism.