| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: History |
| Lesson Topic: 1.5 Why, and with what effects, did Europeans expand their overseas empires in the nineteenth century? |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the economic, political, strategic and ideological motivations behind 19th‑century European imperial expansion.
- Analyse the economic, political, social and military effects of empire‑building on both colonies and European metropoles.
- Compare case‑study examples (Britain in India, France in Indochina, Germany in East Africa) to illustrate varied motives and impacts.
- Evaluate how imperial expansion contributed to later global conflicts and decolonisation movements.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen for map and slide presentation
- World map (c.1914) handout showing European empires
- Worksheet with case‑study analysis questions
- Primary source excerpts (missionary letters, trade statistics)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sticky notes for quick think‑pair‑share
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking map of the world in 1914, asking students what they notice about the distribution of European empires. Recall previous lessons on the Industrial Revolution and how it created new demands for resources and markets. Explain that today they will investigate why European powers pursued overseas expansion and what lasting effects resulted, with success measured by their ability to identify key motives and assess impacts.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5’) – Students label a blank world map with the major European empires of 1914; quick teacher check.
- Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present the four categories of motives (economic, political, strategic, ideological) using slides and examples.
- Guided analysis (12’) – In pairs, students examine a case‑study handout (Britain, France, Germany) and fill a comparison table of motives and impacts.
- Whole‑class discussion (8’) – Groups share findings; teacher highlights connections to the impact table.
- Think‑pair‑share (5’) – Students write one way imperial expansion set the stage for later conflicts (e.g., WWI) on sticky notes.
- Summary recap (5’) – Teacher synthesises key points; students complete an exit ticket.
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Conclusion:
Summarise how economic needs, rivalry, strategic interests and cultural beliefs drove 19th‑century imperialism and how these actions reshaped both colonies and Europe. For the exit ticket, learners write one lasting legacy of empire‑building. Assign homework: read a short article on decolonisation and prepare a brief reflection.
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