Imperialism

What is imperialism? How is imperialism different from colonialism? These lesson plans and resources introduce ideas like economic and cultural imperialism in a global historical context, helping students understand how today's empires compare with those of ancient history.
Imperialism

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Featured Materials

Tools of Imperialism
British ships destroying an enemy fleet in Canton during the First Opium War in 1841.
World History 1200
Article

Tools of Imperialism External link

Imperialism was the idea that launched a thousand ships. The leaders of industrial empires used the ideas of imperialism to support their actions around the world. 

Industrialization and Imperialism Thematic Map
OER Project
Visual Aid

Industrialization and Imperialism Thematic Map External link

A full-color thematic map of Industrialization and Imperialism in 1871 CE, meant to help you support, extend, and challenge the frame narratives.
Colonial Violence
A group of white hunters stand in front of a pile of ivory from hunted elephants.
World History 1200
Article

Colonial Violence External link

Colonialism was all about control. This article examines how colonizers used and justified violence against their colonized subjects.

Lessons

Lesson 7.9
World History Origins
The Long Nineteenth Century
1750 to 1914 CE
Industrial Imperialism
Empires were nothing new—but industrialization transformed them. Discover how industrialization fueled imperial expansion, reshaped global economies, and sparked conflict and resistance worldwide.
View Lesson
Lesson 6.1
World History AP®
Consequences of Industrialization
c. 1750 to 1900 CE
Rationales for Imperialism from 1750 to 1900 CE
Imperialism was defined by more than just land grabs. Industrialized nations justified expansion through ideologies of nationalism, racial theories, and religious zealotry.
View Lesson

Materials

Opium Wars and Economic Imperialism
A painting depicting a naval battle in the First Opium War. The British steam-powered warship ‘Nemesis’ (right background) is shown attacking a fleet of Chinese warships. Two rowing boats with Chinese passengers watch the scene and various men are overboard and clinging on to debris.
World History Origins
Article

Opium Wars and Economic Imperialism External link

The Opium Wars pitted the world’s two strongest economies against each other: the British Empire and Qing Dynasty China. The results transformed the global economy.
Contextualization: Opium Wars
World History 1750
Activity

Contextualization: Opium Wars External link

In this activity, you’ll build your contextualization skills by exploring what led to the Opium Wars and how empires challenged each other’s power.
Industrial Imperialism, the “New” Imperialism
Painted depiction of soldiers sitting on a pedestal, having their boots shined by two enslaved people of African descent.
World History Origins
Article

Industrial Imperialism, the “New” Imperialism External link

Imperialism changed dramatically when some parts of the world industrialized. Several factors led to this “new” imperialism.
The Berlin Conference
Drawing of a room full of men, most seated at a long table, talking and looking over papers.
World History Origins
Article

The Berlin Conference External link

At the Berlin Conference, a bunch of Europeans gathered to plot ways to divide Africa. It may not have been the start of colonialism, but it sure accelerated the process.
Imperialism Cartoons
World History 1750
Activity

Imperialism Cartoons External link

In this activity, you’ll analyze and create cartoons to better understand how imperialism was viewed both by those who supported it and those who opposed it.

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