Imperialism had many causes and effects.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Missionaries were seen as a civilising influence on native peoples.
2. [1] Missionaries kept careful records of places they had seen.
3. [1] Missionaries drew attention to opportunities in previously unexplored territory.
4. [1] Missionaries charted their progress through unmapped territory.
5. [1] Missionaries were beginning to impose Western values on native peoples.
6. [1] European countries wanted new markets.
7. [1] Valuable goods like silk and spices could be traded for high prices.
8. [1] The colonies could develop economically from selling products.
9. [1] European powers could grow wealthy if they controlled trade in certain products.
10. [Level 3/4 explanation example] Trade was important because countries were keen to expand their markets and sell goods which were produced at home. Also, many countries looked for raw materials such as precious metals. They also looked for valuable products such as silk, which could be sold for high prices at home.
11. [1] An infrastructure was built.
12. [1] There were improvements made in public health.
13. [1] There were economic benefits.
14. [1] Traditions were often lost.
15. [1] Native peoples were often exploited as cheap labour.
16. [1] The colonists often became the ruler.
17. [1] Christianity was encouraged.
18. [Level 3 explanation example - Benefits of British imperialism to Africa] In Africa, Britain built roads, railways, schools and hospitals. This generally improved the standard of living of native peoples by increasing their mobility, improving their health and giving them an education. There were benefits to the native peoples from considerable trading. Raw materials, such as bananas, palm oil, rubber, cocoa and tea, were exchanged for manufactured goods.
19. [Level 3 explanation example - Little benefit of British imperialism to Africa] Native peoples objected to the changes brought by Britain in stopping traditional practices. Many objected to the stamping out of slavery, sacrifices and extreme punishments. Also, they objected to the attempt to spread Christianity at the expense of Islam, Hinduism and traditional tribal religions.