Industrial Imperialism
Driving Question: How did industrialization change imperialism?
Imperialism wasn’t new, but after industrialization, it was different. Industry turned conquest into a system, backed by weapons, ideas, and global ambition.
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate the tools used by imperial powers to expand their empires.
- Build image-analysis skills to examine differing perspectives on imperialism during the nineteenth century.
- Utilize close-reading skills to consider different theories and perspectives about the age of “new” imperialism.
Vocab Terms:
- administration
- bureaucracy
- colonialism
- diplomat
- empire
- imperialism
- inferior
Opener: Industrial Imperialism
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 5.2 Teaching Guide.
Historical causation is key to understanding how the past has unfolded. Read more in our Causation One-Pager.
Start connecting industrial advances to imperialism by looking at how new technologies and economic systems gave empires more reach, control, and ambition.
The New Imperialism
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 5.2 Teaching Guide.
Looking for ideas on how to modify the three-step reading tool for your students? Look no further than this thread on the OER Project Community forum.
These materials introduce the “new” imperialism of the nineteenth century. You’ll examine how industrial power changed imperial strategies, and how people critiqued and resisted imperial rule.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- In what ways were late nineteenth-century empires similar to earlier ones?
- What made these newer empires different from earlier ones?
- How did technology support the spread of imperialism?
- How did capitalism, industrialization, and racism create motives for empire?
- What role did nationalism and “men-on-the-spot” play in expanding empire?
After you read
Respond to these questions: Which reasons for the rise of new imperialism do you find most convincing? Which seem less important, and why?
Ideology, Industry, and Guns
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of the Lesson 5.2 Teaching Guide.
Teachers share their experiences with using the Imperialism Cartoons activity in this thread on the OER Project Community forum.
Examine the tools of empire and explore different perspectives on imperialism and its impact through powerful political cartoons.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- What’s the difference between colonialism and imperialism?
- What ideas or beliefs helped support imperialism?
- What technologies helped imperial powers expand?
- What is gunboat diplomacy?
- How did science and indirect rule help support empire?
After you read
Respond to this question: How were the tools of imperialism connected to other changes in this period, such as industrialization, capitalism, and political revolutions?
Imperialism Cartoons
Closer: Industrial Imperialism
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 8 of the Lesson 5.2 Teaching Guide.
Closers are great formative assessments. Learn more in the OER Project Assessment Guide.
Wrap up the lesson by thinking critically about industrial imperialism and how it relates to other global changes you’ve explored.
Reviewing for Claim and Focus
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 9 of the Lesson 5.2 Teaching Guide.
By suggesting revisions to someone else’s writing, you’ll get much better at identifying what makes strong writing. Make suggestions for improving claim and focus—and then keep those suggestions in mind the next time you write.
The Politics of Conquest
To teach this lesson step, refer to page 9 of the Lesson 5.2 Teaching Guide.
After the Berlin Conference, imperialism became more formalized and globally organized, shaping political boundaries and creating power structures that are still visible today.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- Why was the Berlin Conference held? Who was included or left out?
- What event led to the start of the conference?
- What were three key outcomes of the conference?
- How did Menelik II respond to the conference decisions? What was the result?
After you read
Respond to this question: How did the Berlin Conference change life in both Africa and Europe through "legal violence"?
