Economic Imperialism

Sophie Anderson
7 min read
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#AP World History: Modern - Economic Imperialism Study Guide ๐
Hey! Let's break down economic imperialism. Think of it as a game where some countries use their economic power to call the shots in other places. It's a big topic, but we'll make it super clear and easy to remember. Let's dive in!
#What is Economic Imperialism?
Economic imperialism is when a country uses its economic muscle to control other countries. It's not always about armies marching in; sometimes, it's about controlling resources, trade, and money. Think of it like this: instead of conquering with weapons, you're conquering with wallets. ๐ฐ
#Goals of Economic Imperialism
- Resources: Grabbing raw materials like oil, minerals, and lumber. ๐ข๏ธ
- Markets: Selling their own goods and services to new customers. ๐๏ธ
- Investment: Finding new places to invest money and make even more. ๐ฆ
- Political Power: Gaining strategic advantages like military bases or ports. โ
- Ideology: Spreading their economic and cultural beliefs. ๐ก
Economic imperialism isn't just about money; it's also about power and influence. It's the economic version of a power play.
#Causes of Economic Imperialism
- Industrial Revolution: The need for raw materials and new markets fueled the push for expansion. ๐ญ
- Competition: European powers were in a race to dominate globally. ๐
- Colonies: Establishing colonies and trading posts in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- Strategic Locations: Controlling key ports and transportation routes. ๐บ๏ธ
- Exploitation: Using the resources and labor of colonized peoples. ๐งโ๐พ
Think of it like a shopping spree for countries. They wanted resources, markets, and power, and they were willing to go far to get them.
#Formal vs. Informal Economic Imperialism
It's like the difference between being a landlord and a very influential neighbor.
#Formal Economic Imperialism
- Direct Control: The imperial power directly controls the colony's government and economy. ๐
- Colonization: Think of the British in India or the French in Indochina. ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ซ๐ท
- Tariffs and Trade: Imposing rule...

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