Unit 4: Imperialism

 

            Beginning in the late 1400's, the nations of Europe (Spain, France, England, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Italy and Germany) began to seek adventure, knowledge, converts to their religions and, most of all, riches in foreign lands.  Over the next 500 years, the nations of Europe used their armies and navies to conquer most of the rest of the world.  These nations competed with the each other to conquer the most territory.  In the late 1800's, the United States and Japan joined the European powers and became imperialistic nations as well.  The conquering countries created great wealth for themselves, and they brought major changes and great suffering to the conquered lands as they reshaped the governments, economies and cultures of their colonies.  When they conquered, they brought their political and economic systems, their religion and culture, their technology, and their racial makeup.  The imperialism of the last 500 years has been a central factor in shaping the world that we live in today.

            In this unit, we will study imperialism in two regions: The colonization of the Americas primarily by Spain, Portugal, France and Britain and the colonization of Africa by several European nations.  As we do this, you will investigate the history of imperialism and colonization in one country, and you will write a thesis paper about that history.

 

Focus Questions:

¯    In what ways did the history of imperialism create the world economy we have today?

¯    Did imperialism create greater wealth and prosperity in the world or did it create more poverty and suffering?

¯  What is racism, and what effect does it have on the wealth and power of people in nations that have a history of racial oppression?

 

Assignments

 

1)  ____/15     In-Class Reading Quiz on Pages 103—108. (Read with special focus on

the bolded terms and names.)  

 

2)    ____/15   In-Class Reading Quiz on Pages 115 –119 (JUST READ)

 

3)    ____/0     Pages 120 – 123 (Complete tasks 1, 2 and 3 in the section assessment

on page 123 for extra credit)

 

4)   ____/15    In-Class Reading Quiz on Pages 304–309 (Read with special focus on

the bolded terms and names.)

 

5)  ____/15    In-Class Reading Quiz on Pages 310 – 315. (JUST READ)

 

6)   ____/35    La Conquista Storyboard

 

7)   ____/40    Imperialism Exam

 

                        It is a multiple-choice test.  You will receive a study guide.

 

8)    ____/50   Imperialism Research Essay (STANDARD)

 

                        You will be given an assignment description for this essay.

 

 

Class Web Page:  http://www.mcglashan.com/tyler/world.htm