CAUSES - IMPERIALISM
As you have already learned, there were five great Empires that were competing for land around the globe. Once this land, or in most cases whole countries, was taken by an Empire, most its wealth was taken away and its native people left with very little. This process is called Imperialism.
To compete with each other, the Empires tried to create large 'colonies' abroad and continents like Africa were divided up. A 'colony' was created when one of the European empires sent soldiers and settlers to a foreign country, taking full political control of its citizens and trading and selling its resources.
Many Asian nations were 'colonized' as was India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Imperialism was justified as being for the good of the natives as these inferior people were “civilized” by the Europeans.
Imperialism became very competitive and caused great tension between the Empires. Jealousy began to drive Empires like Germany and Russia to build wealth and colonies that could compete with the enormous British Empire.
To compete with each other, the Empires tried to create large 'colonies' abroad and continents like Africa were divided up. A 'colony' was created when one of the European empires sent soldiers and settlers to a foreign country, taking full political control of its citizens and trading and selling its resources.
Many Asian nations were 'colonized' as was India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Imperialism was justified as being for the good of the natives as these inferior people were “civilized” by the Europeans.
Imperialism became very competitive and caused great tension between the Empires. Jealousy began to drive Empires like Germany and Russia to build wealth and colonies that could compete with the enormous British Empire.
TWO TESTS OF STRENGTH
THE TANGIER CRISIS 1905. In 1905, France were preparing to make Morocco, and African nation, one of its colonies. Britain had not objected to the move, but Germany had not been asked for its opinion. Germany's leader, Kaiser Wilhelm pretended to be offended and travelled to Tangier, one of Morocco's main cities. He rode down the main street on a white horse, followed by a cheering crowd. He promised the leader of Morocco that he would not let France turn them into a colony. Many worried that this would provoke a war with France.
In fact, Wilhelm had no intention of helping Morocco. He just wanted to see what France and its new ally, Britain, would do if Germany tried to intimidate it. In the end, nothing happened. THE AGADIR CRISIS 1911. Five years later, Wilhelm tried it again. France was having trouble controlling Morocco and was fighting Nationalist rebels. Germany sent a large warship 'The Panther' to the coast of Morocco to intimidate the French Navy. However, just across the ocean in Gibraltar, the British Navy had its own base. Worried that 'The Panther' was sent to start a fight and set up a rival port (Navy base), the entire British Navy was ordered to prepare for battle. World War now seemed inevitable. At the last minute, Wilhelm backed down. The British and German warships returned to their ports nervously. War was avoided for the time being, but Imperialism proved to be a very possible causes for war in the future. |
TASK
Look through the gallery of images below and answer these three questions for EACH IMAGE. Copy and Paste the image into a word document and type your answers below. Once complete, print and submit to your teacher.
See the HINTS SECTION below the images if you're stuck!
Q1. List all of the people, animals, objects and writing you can see in the image.
Q2. Briefly explain what each one is doing/ behaving in the image.
Q3. Based on what you understand about Imperialism, explain 'the message' of this cartoon.
See the HINTS SECTION below the images if you're stuck!
Q1. List all of the people, animals, objects and writing you can see in the image.
Q2. Briefly explain what each one is doing/ behaving in the image.
Q3. Based on what you understand about Imperialism, explain 'the message' of this cartoon.
CARTOON HINTS
When looking at cartoons, its important to THINK before you start answering questions:
When looking at cartoons, its important to THINK before you start answering questions:
- Look around the image at each object and person, where are they positioned in the image? Is anyone weaker or stronger? How do you know?
- Sometimes symbols are used to represent certain countries. Germans were often drawn wearing the helmet with a sharp point on top. Russia was always drawn as a bear. France was often rooster. England was often draw as an 'overweight' man due to their wealth.
- There is often writing in the image to help you understand it. Look carefully at everything.
- Each cartoon has an AUTHOR. Whoever drew this had a point of view they wanted you to understand. What is the point of view of the image?
Proudly powered by Weebly