Age of Imperialism

In this French political cartoon from 1898, the Qing official observes powerlessly as a pastry representing China is divided up by Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, William II of Germany, Nicholas II of Russia, the French Marianne, and a samurai of Japan. The cartoon is intended to portray the imperialist tendencies towards China at the time. 

Topic 3: The Age of Imperialism

Content Focus

Students investigate the Age of Imperialism and its role in the shaping of the modern world. The Historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.

Content

Students investigate:

●      the historical context, including:

–       the changing motives and characteristics of European imperialism – 18th century to the early 20th century, eg trading empires (East Indies), the ‘Scramble for Africa’ and its division by the imperial powers (ACHMH041, ACHMH042, ACHMH044)      

●      the nature of the Age of Imperialism, including:

–       an overview of the extent of imperial expansion by 1914 in Africa, Asia and the Pacific (ACHMH043)  

–       key ideas of the ‘imperial age’ including nationalism, the glorification of ‘Empire’, the concept of ‘social Darwinism’ and the ‘Christian mission’ (ACHMH044)  

–       ONE case study of imperialism, to be chosen from the Belgian Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, New Zealand, Malaya, Canada, Australia (ACHMH045)

–       the ways in which Indigenous groups responded to the imperial presence, including resistance and resilience (ACHMH045)  

–       the significance of imperialism in this period and beyond, including the spread and influence of Christianity, the expansion of world trade and capitalism, and the growth of imperial rivalry and militarism (ACHMH046)      

●      the nature and legacy of imperialism and its influence on modernity    

Starter Questions 

• Identify and outline the changing motives and characteristics of European imperialism. 

• Where did imperialism occur? 

• What were the key ideas of the imperial age?  

• To what extent did the nature and characteristics of imperialism affect the world? 

• How has imperialism had an impact on the modern world?

• Outline the changing motives and characteristics of European Imperialism 18th century to 20 th century. Ie Trading Empires and Scramble for Africa and key events in the division of Africa

• Define Old Imperialism vs New Imperialism during this time.

• What was the extent of European Imperialism in Africa, Asia, Pacific and the America's.

• What do these terms have to do with Imperialism? :

• "Glorification of the Empire"

• "Social Darwinism"

• "Christian Mission"

• "White Man's Burden"