During the 19th century, there were notable causes leading up to New Imperialism. Imperialism has been around forever and has continuously developed as countries and cultures evolved. New Imperialism signified an era of renewed dominance and expansion during this timeframe. .(citation) The three main causes of New Imperialism included Nationalism, Social Darwinism, and Humanitarianism. Nationalism was a major prompt to New Imperialism. Many leaders of significant countries believed that their form of government and way of life were the best. Patriotism towards one's own country led to strategic colonization based on political issues. (gale) Nations desired land for more military bases and a greater span of territory to protect economically strong colonies. (gale) Additionally, the acquisition of more territories meant less expansion for competing countries or empires. This form of Imperialism allowed the governments of these countries to claim more land and control more colonies, therefore strengthening their own empire toward national superiority.(#5) While nationalism was a major source of New Imperialism, some justified their aggressiveness through Social Darwinism. Many argue that individuals, groups, and people follow the …show more content…
Therefore, the higher empires would move to save them. The native population was commonly the target for Humanitarianism as many governments believed they should lift the natives up, introduce them to Christianity, and save them from their lowly ways of life.(document 7) In turn, by helping them, the native people were also introduced to the ruling countries' cultural customs and colonial powers.(gale) Humanitarianism. rulers were soon ruling over the native territories and people. Thus, once again gaining more land and resources for the ruling