USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

CAUSES OF WORLD WAR I

[SOURCES]
Imperialism caused most ‘great powers’ to

(A) ** expand their lands across the world, particularly in Africa and Asia

(B) expand their trade networks with developing countries

(C) expand their alliances with other European countries

(D) order around smaller, weaker European countries

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -Economic policies were adopted by Europeans who destroyed the colonies, rather than help them. Africa was damaged economically, politically, and culturally. Africa’s traditional lifestyles and culture were destroyed. The Europeans had no interest in traditional African culture and had no concern for the Africans.

Concept note-2: -Industrialisation created a huge demand for raw materials and led to the colonisation of Africa and Asia for these resources. Industrialisation and technological progress boosted European and American confidence, and national pride. They became convinced that they were superior.

Concept note-3: -In the mid to late 19th century, the European powers colonized much of Africa and Southeast Asia. During the decades of imperialism, the industrializing powers of Europe viewed the African and Asian continents as reservoirs of raw materials, labor, and territory for future settlement.

Concept note-4: -The Europeans took over because Africa was rich in raw materials, they wanted power, and they thought their culture was superior. The driving force behind imperialism was need for resources, political competition, and technological advances. One driving force behind imperialism was need for natural resources.