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Economic Imperialism

Sophie Anderson

Sophie Anderson

7 min read

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AP World History: Modern - Economic Imperialism Study Guide ๐ŸŒ

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. ๐Ÿ’ฐ

Goals of Economic Imperialism

  • Resources: Grabbing raw materials like oil, minerals, and lumber. ๐Ÿ›ข๏ธ
  • Markets: Selling their own goods and services to new customers. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
  • Investment: Finding new places to invest money and make even more. ๐Ÿฆ
  • Political Power: Gaining strategic advantages like military bases or ports. โš“
  • Ideology: Spreading their economic and cultural beliefs. ๐Ÿ’ก
Key Concept

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. ๐Ÿญ
  • Competition: European powers were in a race to dominate globally. ๐Ÿ
  • Colonies: Establishing colonies and trading posts in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
  • Strategic Locations: Controlling key ports and transportation routes. ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ
  • Exploitation: Using the resources and labor of colonized peoples. ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŒพ
Memory Aid

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. ๐Ÿ‘‘
  • Colonization: Think of the British in India or the French in Indochina. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท
  • Tariffs and Trade: Imposing rule...