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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

  1. Evaluate the tools used by imperial powers to expand their empires.
  2. Build image-analysis skills to examine differing perspectives on imperialism during the nineteenth century.
  3. 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
STEP 1

Opener: Industrial Imperialism

STEP 2

The New Imperialism

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.

STEP 3

Ideology, Industry, and Guns

Examine the tools of empire and explore different perspectives on imperialism and its impact through powerful political cartoons.

STEP 4

Closer: Industrial Imperialism

Extension Materials
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This extension builds understanding of how to write with a strong claim and focus by revising a sample student essay. It also gives a closer look at how imperial powers worked together to divide Africa and how African leaders responded to those actions.
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Reviewing for Claim and Focus

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.

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The Politics of Conquest

After the Berlin Conference, imperialism became more formalized and globally organized, shaping political boundaries and creating power structures that are still visible today.