Definitions

Trade Unions: a union formed by workers of various trades in order to stand up for their rights.

Marxism: political philosophy which stands up for the end of private property would bring to the gradual disappearance of classes in order to achieve the ideal communist society that is to say classless society. It was created by Marx and Engels during the nineteenth century.

Anarchism: political philosophy which stands up for the exaltation of individual freedom and social solidarity. They criticised the private property and the advocated forms of collective ownership. They rejected all sort of authority, mainly the state. They defended the revolutionary action of the workers and peasants to destroy the state and create a collectivist and egalitarian society. It was created by Proudhon and Bakunin.

Imperialism: the idea of increasing a country’s political or economic control by colonising other countries. Imperialism is the domination of one country’s political, economic or cultural life by another.

Dividing Africa: colonisation of Africa and its division in the Berlin Conference (1885)

Power point to go in depth into Imperialism

Text Analysis

Colonial Organisation

Stages for creating a colony

Reasons of Imperialism (Listening activity)

Reasons:

-European population grew during that period, improve standards of living and medical advances and people lived longer: a larger population meant more food and work

-Economic conditions in Europe were poor for many: peasants need to have the possibility of owning their own land.

-Many young Europeans left because they were disillusioned and frustrated by the economic and political situation at home. 

IMPERIALISM

1. What’s the definition of imperialism?

Imperialism is the domination of one country’s political, economical or cultural life by another.

2. How was the way of life of the people living in colonies?

They are oppressed, abused and, in some cases, even killed.

3. What factors prompted Europe’s imperialist expansion?

- Imperialism brought wealth and power for Europeans

-To make money for the conquerors

4. What were the problems of Africa?

It suffered economic problems and political divisions

5. What was the consequence of the “slave trade”?

It has drastically reduced the population of the African societies.

6. Why Europeans had the ability to move quickly and efficiently?

Because of the Industrial Revolution and the development of the technology: new weapons and the steam power for moving locomotives and ships.

7. What were the natural resources needed by Europeans?

Rubber and petroleum

8. Who were the “missionaries”?

They were people that exported the western way of life and religion. They built temples and schools throughout the colonies. Sometimes they fought against the political and economic goals of imperialist nations.

9. Where did one of the worst slave oppression occur? Who carried it out?

It occurred in the Congo, carried out by king Leopold and other wealthy Belgians.

10. Who is the writer of the novel “Heart of darkness”?

He is Joseph Conrad. It deals with the dark side of imperialism.