Links:
Essential Questions:
What was/is Imperialism, and (how) do we distinguish it from Colonialism?
What were the root causes of Imperialism in the late 19th c.?
What were the immediate and lasting effects of Imperialism?
In-Class Imperialism Primaries:
Analyze the documents using a technique such as SOAPSTone
How does the author view the effects of Imperialism?
What evidence does the author present in support of his/her POV?
What is the central message?
How does this document link to the "Big Picture?"
What is a further question this document raises?
Imperialism Response
Based on you reading of primary materials and the text on the Age of Imperialism, complete the following:
"The Editor in Chief has assigned you and your colleagues to write a series of feature editorials on Imperialism. Since it is the job of a newspaper reporter to inform its readers, the Board of Directors of the British Times Herald has given you an unlimited expense account to investigate this controversial topic.
Your editorials will help readers to arrive at a their own conclusions about whether or not the British Empire should continue with the policy of imperialism.
Public opinion is fast becoming an important factor in British politics. Politicians and the public alike take notice of what is being reported and written in newspapers.
Some supporters of Imperialism believe that a decision to amend England's imperialist policy will have a profound impact on England's current position as the strongest world power among European nations. They argue that imperialism is for the good of the Empire. These supporters of imperialism believe that the policy of imperialism is a method of securing and maintaining English power in an increasingly competitive and dangerous world. Therefore, according to those who support imperialism, it is in the best interest of Her Majesty's Empire on which the "Sun Never Sets," to continue the expansionist policy of imperialism. Others, however, argue that British Imperialism is a result of greed and economic exploitation. They make a distinction between "colonialism" and "imperialism." (excerpted from http://users.erols.com/sespec/webquests/imperialismafrica/ImperialismInAfrica.htm )
YOUR TASK
Write a (length = 1 max blog submission)word editorial. You will choose to focus on one of the three regions covered in the readings. Your editorial will support or oppose British policy at the close of the 19th century, address the issues above and should rely on the primary sources assigned as reading or any other relevant primary material to support your position.