The Age of Imperialism

Not all of the raw materials used in the factories of the Industrial Revolution came from Europe and North America. As industries grew and countries competed for access to the same raw materials used in industry as well as new places to sell their goods, they looked to control foreign territories and secure exclusive access to markets. The process by which Europe and the U.S. sought to spread their economic, political, and social philosophies around the world is known as imperialism. Imperialism is a policy whereby a country looks to extend its power and gain wealth by acquiring territory directly, or by gaining indirect control over a foreign region.

In this topic, you will explore the motives for imperialism and how the people who were colonized under this policy responded.

Essential Questions

• Why did European countries participate in imperialism and a race for colonies?
• What were some responses of colonized peoples to European imperialism?