Modern World History: Industrial Imperialism

Over the next several class periods, you will research the changes that took place in a specific colonized territory during a period of history called Industrial Imperialism, which lasted from the late 19th century until the start of World War I in 1914. During the era of Industrial Imperialism (a.k.a. New Imperialism) European powers, Japan, and the United States gained control over territory around the globe, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

You’ll spend time reading about your region, taking notes, writing up your findings, and presenting them to your peers. Below you’ll find a list of regions, information about each step of this process, and research questions to guide you.

OVERARCHING QUESTION: How​ ​and why did a foreign power gain or expand its control of the region between 1880 and 1914?

SUB-QUESTIONS (Some answers may overlap):

• What natural resources were available in the region, and how were they used?
• To what extent did rivalries within colonized territories play a role in colonization?
• To what extent did military competition among imperial powers play a role in colonization?
• To what extent did economic competition among imperial powers play a role in colonization?
• To what extent were racist ideologies a factor in colonization?
• To what extent was the Industrial Revolution a factor?
• When, how, and how successfully did people resist foreign encroachment?