Causes of Imperialism in the Modern World

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the main causes of imperialism during the modern era, encouraging students to explain, compare, analyze, and outline key factors that led to European and Western powers expanding their influence globally.

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Causes of Imperialism in the Modern World

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to Causes of Imperialism

Source A: Extract from a historian's analysis

'The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a surge in imperialist activity, driven by a combination of economic ambitions, political rivalries, and social ideologies. These factors intertwined to motivate nations to expand their influence across Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world.'

Provenance: Excerpt from a modern history textbook, 2018.

1.
Outline the main causes of imperialism as described in Source A. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the economic and political causes of imperialism. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
B

Economic Factors in Imperialism

Source B: Extract from a business journal

'Industrialized nations sought new markets to sell their manufactured goods and secure raw materials like cotton, rubber, and oil to sustain their industries.'

Provenance: Business journal article, 2015.

1.
Explain how economic factors contributed to imperialism, based on Source B. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse the importance of economic motives in driving imperialism. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
C

Political and Social Causes

Source C: Excerpt from a political speech

'Our nation must expand its influence to demonstrate strength and secure its place among world powers. Moreover, spreading our culture and ideas is a moral duty.'

Provenance: Speech by a government leader, 1905.

1.
Explain the political and social reasons for imperialism based on Source C. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the social and political justifications for imperialism. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
D

Concluding Analysis

Source D: Modern historian's summary

'Imperialism was driven by a complex mix of economic needs, political ambitions, and social beliefs. Each factor reinforced the others, leading to the rapid expansion of imperial powers in the early 20th century.'

Provenance: Modern history review, 2019.

1.
Analyse how economic, political, and social factors worked together to promote imperialism. (8 marks)
[8 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet