European Imperialism Quiz

Which of the following countries was not involved in the effort to secure colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East at the end of the nineteenth century?

• Germany

• Belgium

• Italy

• Austria

• England

Which statement best expresses the motive for nineteenth-century European imperialism?

• Living space was needed for the excess population in Western Europe.

• European leaders believed imperialism was an effective method for reducing the number of wars.

• European nations would benefit from some aspects of the conquered nation's culture.

• Imperialism would benefit the economies of the colonial powers.

• European nations wanted democratic governments throughout the world.

Otto von Bismarck organised the Berlin Conference in 1884-85 to:

• establish rules for dividing up Africa among the European countries.

• limit Russian expansion on the continent.

• work with the Africans to seek trade agreements.

• prevent Belgium from taking over the Congo.

The nineteenth-century phrase, "the white man’s burden," reflects the idea that:

• Asians and Africans were equal to Europeans.

• Asians and Africans would be grateful for European help.

• imperialism was opposed by most Europeans.

• Europeans had a responsibility to improve the lives of their colonial people.

• democracy was the best form of government for Asia and Africa.

"As many more individuals of each species are born than can possibly survive; and as consequently, there is a frequently recurring struggle for existence, it follows that any being, if it vary however slightly in any manner profitable to itself, under the complex and sometimes varying conditions of life, will have a better chance of surviving, and thus be naturally selected. From the strong principle of inheritance, any selected variety will tend to propagate its new and modified form." The author of the above passage is:

• Charles Darwin.

• Herbert Spencer.

• Karl Marx.

• Ivan Pavlov.