Activity Overview
The rush to expand empires and the ensuing age of Imperialism was fueled by a few different motivations. Not every country shared the same views, and all were competing to divide Asia and Africa up between them. In this activity, students will use a spider map to research and summarize some of the main motivations for European Imperialism in the 18th and 19th century.
Students may consider including the following motivations for European Imperialism:
- Religion
- Economics
- Technology
- Humanitarianism
- Social Darwinism
- Competition in Europe
- Industrial Revolution
Extended Activity
To further deepen their understanding of imperialism, students can select one of their motivating factors and describe why it is the most important factor using another storyboard or a short persuasive essay. Students could also put their factors in order from least to most important.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that explains the main motivations for European Imperialism.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each of the title boxes, identify one motivation for imperialism.
- Write a summary for each motivation in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The rush to expand empires and the ensuing age of Imperialism was fueled by a few different motivations. Not every country shared the same views, and all were competing to divide Asia and Africa up between them. In this activity, students will use a spider map to research and summarize some of the main motivations for European Imperialism in the 18th and 19th century.
Students may consider including the following motivations for European Imperialism:
- Religion
- Economics
- Technology
- Humanitarianism
- Social Darwinism
- Competition in Europe
- Industrial Revolution
Extended Activity
To further deepen their understanding of imperialism, students can select one of their motivating factors and describe why it is the most important factor using another storyboard or a short persuasive essay. Students could also put their factors in order from least to most important.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that explains the main motivations for European Imperialism.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each of the title boxes, identify one motivation for imperialism.
- Write a summary for each motivation in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Analyzing the Motives for European Imperialism
Plan a Class Debate on European Imperialism Motivations
Engage students in critical thinking by organizing a class debate focused on which motive for European Imperialism was most influential. This interactive activity encourages research, persuasive speaking, and respectful discussion skills.
Divide students into groups based on different motives
Assign each group a specific motive, such as economics, religion, or technology. Grouping students helps them become 'experts' on one motive and promotes teamwork as they gather evidence to support their viewpoint.
Guide each group to research and prepare arguments
Encourage students to use textbooks, articles, and primary sources to build strong arguments for why their assigned motive was the driving force behind imperialism. Preparation boosts confidence and ensures informed participation.
Set debate rules and assign roles for structure
Establish clear debate rules, time limits, and assign roles like speakers, rebuttal leaders, and note-takers. Structure keeps the debate organized and ensures every student gets a chance to participate.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful dialogue
Moderate the discussion, prompting students to use evidence and listen actively to opposing views. Respectful debate sharpens critical thinking and deepens understanding of multiple perspectives.
Reflect on the debate with a class discussion or quick write
Wrap up the activity by asking students to reflect on what they learned and if their views changed. Reflection helps solidify learning and connects the debate to broader historical themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Analyzing the Motives for European Imperialism
What were the main motivations for European imperialism in the 18th and 19th centuries?
The main motivations for European imperialism included economic gain, religious spread, advances in technology, humanitarian goals, Social Darwinism, competition among European nations, and the influence of the Industrial Revolution. Each factor contributed to the desire to expand empires, particularly into Asia and Africa.
How can students use a spider map to analyze European imperialism motives?
Students can create a spider map by placing 'Motivations for European Imperialism' at the center and branching out to identify and summarize each key motivation, such as economics, religion, or technology. Illustrations and brief descriptions help organize research for easy understanding.
Why was the Industrial Revolution important for European imperialism?
The Industrial Revolution provided new technologies, increased production, and a demand for raw materials, which drove European nations to seek colonies for resources, markets, and strategic advantages during the age of imperialism.
What is Social Darwinism and how did it influence European imperialism?
Social Darwinism applied the idea of 'survival of the fittest' to societies, justifying European dominance over other regions. It was used to rationalize imperialism by suggesting Europeans were superior and had the right to rule over others.
What are some effective classroom activities for teaching about European imperialism motives?
Effective activities include creating spider maps to organize motives, writing persuasive essays selecting the most important factor, ranking motivations, and using illustrations to visualize each cause. These approaches foster critical thinking and engagement.
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