Human Heritage: A World HistoryChapter 36: Rise of ImperialismRise of ImperialismIn the late 1800s, an interest in colonies rose again. Many countries rushed to take over parts of the world that had not been claimed during the Age of Discovery and the Expansion of the Americas. Among the new colonial powers were Belgium, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. Chapter 36 is about the colonies these powers established in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in the late 1800s. Section 1 discusses the factors that caused the move toward imperialism, including the Industrial Revolution, feelings of nationalism, and the belief that western countries had a duty to "civilize" the non-western peoples of the world. Section 2 focuses on how Great Britain and other European powers established colonies in Africa until by 1914 only two areas in Africa—Ethiopia and Liberia—remained independent. Section 3 describes how the countries of Asia were affected by imperialism. A map shows the spread of European rule in Africa and Asia by the early 1900s. Section 4 focuses on why the imperial powers were interested in Latin America and how the United States became involved by issuing the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. Section 5 discusses the benefits and problems brought about by imperialism. The benefits discussed include the development of orderly government, industry, agriculture, and social reform. The problems include bitter feelings between colonists and colonizers and competition among colonial powers that led to future wars. |  |
