Muslims in Europe: - International Institute - University of Michigan

Procedures/Activities:
1. Introduction on the “New Imperialism” of European countries in the 19 th century
Students are given a lecture on the “New Imperialism” of the 19 th century. The following notes
may be handed out in outline form or put on the board:
I. Imperialism – domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another
country or region
II. “New Imperialism” – (19 th century, following the Industrial Revolution)
A. Aggressive take over of non-industrialized nations by industrial nations
B. Use of modern weapons in takeover
III. Causes/ Motivations of “New Imperialism”
A. Economic interests – new raw material needs for industry – rubber, oil, petroleum, etc. and
markets for manufactured goods
B. Nationalism – political and military motivations due to rivalries with other nations; also
feelings of racial and cultural superiority
C. Religious – missionaries, officials wanted to “civilize and Christianize” non- Western
populations
IV. Types of Imperialist Rule
A. Colonies – direct rule
B. Indirect rule – used local rulers as agents
C. Protectorate – local rulers left in place, but expected to take advice of European advisors on
certain issues
V. “Orientalism” – (as described by Edward Said in his book of that title)
A. 19 th -century scholars of Asia, Middle East – wanted to know areas to own them; Orient was
romanticized, seen as passive, different from “rational” West
B. Middle East, Asia viewed with prejudice, racism; Arabs depicted as menacing, irrational,
untrustworthy (for more, go to http://www.wmich.edu/dialogues/texts/orientalism.htm)
For information regarding European imperialism in Muslim countries, Karen Armstrong’s article,
“Ghosts of our Pasts: To win the war on terrorism, we first need to understand its roots,” provides
excellent information regarding Muslim resentment of European imperialism. It is available online at
(http://www.wolaver.org/peace/ghosts.htm ). The article could be copied, read, and discussed by students
or reviewed by teachers to enhance historical knowledge. Most world history textbooks will also have a
chapter devoted to European imperialism in the 19 th and early 20 th centuries and its impact on the Muslim
world which could be assigned to students for background reading.
2. Research Projects/Presentations
Assign the following countries to individual or pairs of students:
Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iraq, (Persia), (Palestine), Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia,
Tripoli, Egypt, Arabia, Nigeria.
(Check the school library’s resources regarding the histories of these countries; list can be
adjusted as needed). Put the following assignment on the board, or give hard copies to students:
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