Understanding the Social Causes of Imperialism in the 19th and 20th Centuries.

what were the social causes of imperialism

missionary, social darwinism,spread cultural values

There were several social causes of imperialism, including:

1. Nationalism: Many European countries felt a sense of nationalism and superiority, which led them to believe that they had a responsibility to spread their culture to other parts of the world.

2. Racism: Many Europeans believed that they were biologically superior to people in other parts of the world, particularly non-white people. This belief justified the idea that Europeans had a duty to rule over and “civilize” the “uncivilized” people in other parts of the world.

3. Social Darwinism: This was a belief that applied the principles of natural selection and evolution to human society. The idea was that the stronger nations would survive and dominate, while the weaker nations would be left behind. This doctrine was used to justify imperialism, as European nations believed they had a responsibility to spread their culture and way of life to others.

4. Economic Interests: Many European countries were becoming industrialized and needed access to new markets and resources in order to maintain their growth. Imperialism provided them with the opportunity to take control of new territories and resources.

5. Missionary Work: Many European countries sent missionaries to parts of the world which they believed were lacking in Christian morality and values. These missionaries used their work to spread Christianity and other European values to the people they encountered.

All of these social causes contributed to the spread of imperialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. By the end of the era of imperialism, many European countries had established colonies across the globe and had amassed huge amounts of wealth and resources. However, the negative impacts of imperialism, including exploitation and inequality, far outweighed any benefits.

More Answers: