New Imperialism

Curriculum Area

History - A Level (AS Level) in the United Kingdom, Year 12

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Lesson Objective

Students will be able to understand the concept of New Imperialism in Africa after 1871, examine key case studies, and analyse the impacts on international relations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define the term "New Imperialism."
2. Discuss key motivations behind New Imperialism.
3. Analyse important case studies, specifically in Africa.
4. Evaluate the impacts on international relations.

Materials Needed

• Interactive Whiteboard
• Handouts featuring key case studies
• Atlas of Africa
• Markers and flipchart
• Video clip on New Imperialism
• Assessment sheet

Lesson Structure

This 10-minute lesson plan is designed for an accelerated introduction to New Imperialism in Africa after 1871.

1. Introduction (2 minutes)

Teacher’s Activity:

• Welcome the students and introduce the topic: "Today, we are diving into New Imperialism in Africa after 1871."
• Briefly explain the terminology: "New Imperialism" refers to the period of rapid colonial expansion by European powers in Africa.

Students’ Activity:

• Listen and take notes.

2. Concept Overview (1 minute)

Teacher’s Activity:

• Briefly outline the reasons behind New Imperialism (economic interests, political competition, and social Darwinism).

Students’ Activity:

• Participate in a quick word association activity related to the motivations.

3. Key Case Studies (2 minutes)

Teacher’s Activity:

• Present two key case studies:

  1. The Scramble for Africa (1881-1914)
  2. The Berlin Conference (1884-1885)

• Use the interactive whiteboard to highlight the territorial changes and the impact on African societies.

Students’ Activity:

• Observe the map on the interactive whiteboard.
• Discuss briefly how these events reshaped Africa’s political landscape.

4. Video Clip (2 minutes)

Teacher’s Activity:

• Play a 2-minute video clip summarising New Imperialism and its key events in Africa.

Students’ Activity:

• Watch the video attentively.

5. Impact on International Relations (2 minutes)

Teacher’s Activity:

• Discuss the key points:

  • How New Imperialism intensified rivalries between European powers.
  • The role of international diplomacy and conflicts that emerged.

• Provide examples of how countries like Britain, France, and Germany interacted during this period.

Students’ Activity:

• Engage in a quick discussion about the role of diplomacy and warfare in New Imperialism.
• Analyse the brief handouts provided.

6. Conclusion and Q&A (1 minute)

Teacher’s Activity:

• Summarise the lesson.
• Open the floor for a quick Q&A session.

Students’ Activity:

• Ask questions and clarify doubts.

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Assessment

Formative Assessment:

• Short quiz on key terms and historical events discussed (to be handed out at the end of the lesson).

Group Activity:

• Quick group discussion where students share their insights on how New Imperialism has shaped modern Africa.

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Differentiation

• Gifted Students: Encourage them to explore deeper implications of New Imperialism, particularly the economic and cultural consequences.
• Support for Struggling Students: Provide additional handouts and visual aids to help comprehend complex information.

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Homework

• Write a brief essay (300 words) on the impacts of the Berlin Conference on modern-day African borders.

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Extension Activity: Plan a debate on: “Was New Imperialism more beneficial or detrimental to African societies?”

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By using this detailed and interactive lesson plan, teachers can engage Year 12 students in the fascinating and complex history of New Imperialism in Africa, adhering closely to the UK educational standards for AS Level history.