imperialism: Lesson 59

Imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was characterized by the expansion of European powers into Africa and Asia, often justified by a belief in racial superiority and a mission to civilize 'lesser' nations. This era saw the establishment of colonies, protectorates, and spheres of influence, leading to significant economic exploitation and cultural changes in the colonized regions. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 exemplified the scramble for Africa, where European nations divided the continent with little regard for indigenous cultures or existing political boundaries. The consequences of imperialism were profound, leading to resistance movements and eventually the independence of many nations in the mid-20th century.