During 1488-1914 the world witnessed the rise and fall of the British Empire. Many historians argue that the cause of the collapse of the British Empire was in fact due to the end of the Age of Imperialism and Colonialism. These were the foundations in which the British Empire was built.
The idea of colonialism is a theory in which the success of an Empire was determined by the acquisition of more land. Colonialism is defined as a political and economic system that resulted in an empire gaining power over smaller countries that would thereafter form colonies. Examples of colonial rule were the Spanish expansion in America and the Dutch Settlers in South Africa. It is proven in source 1 that, “Colonialism, Western, a political-economic phenomenon
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Imperialism forced people to accept Western Ways as they believed it to be superior to any other native culture they come across in their respective colonies. Even though colonialism and imperialism were designed to help empires succeed the method in which this was achieved was only effective because of the exploitation received by the natives. In source3, it can be deduced that foreign rule gave way for imported goods therefore wiping out any preexisting native culture, industry and local craft industries. This lead to the natural wealth of territories being funneled out only to be later absorbed by the mother …show more content…
“British leaders had no doubt that Britain must uphold its status as the third great power, and that it could only do so by maintaining its empire and the Commonwealth link.’ Britain had become a 3rd world superpower as a result of being overtaken by the USSR and USA.
The USA followed the practice of capitalism which was based on the idea of demand and supply, which helped reinforce it defeats over Japan and Nazi Germany. The USSR, followed the theory of Communism, which was based on the ideas of Karl Marx, which was that the wealth of nation should be shared amongst its people. Even though these ideologies were different they were able to form an alliance that overlooked all the tensions to form the Grand Alliance that would help Britain under Churchill defeat Nazi Germany in 1945.
America rose to power in 1914 with the help of the Britain in one of the most unlikely ways and this was mainly caused by the fact Britain started infringing themselves in debt for military support from the USA. Because of the huge supplies that the Americans started stockpiling, large numbers of orders, mostly weaponry, forced its economy to switch from civil to military production in something referred to as War Mobilization.
In the past, lives were controlled by European imperialism the practice of a country extending its political power, over conquered territories. The country and the lands it controls were called an empire. The empire enforced its rule on people of different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and different political systems. The empire had one supreme ruler; sadly, the conquered territories lack effective representation in the empire’s government. Therefore, the conquered countries natural raw natural resources were exploited and their economic growth suppressed. This was evident in Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and North America countries.
Do you ever wonder why whenever you have a problem, it’s always an Indian person that answers on the phone. Imperialism is when one country (usually the one with more power) takes over another country for their own benefits. Imperialism generally happens when a country needs something that they don’t have and that thing will make their country run smoother. What they do is find who has what they need and if they aren’t best buddies with them, they usually take that country over for what they need. This happened in 1857 when the British took control over India for their cotton and tea because we all know how the British love their tea. Although Britain had developed a strong government for India, gave them plenty of jobs, and built schools for them; However, British government only served the needs of the Britians, the jobs were so crappy that Indians died of starvation, and only the super rich Indian males were the only ones getting educated.
The greatness of Great Britain from 1750 to 1915 has been debated for generations, but it’s important to define greatness, the main themes are political, Imperial and Economic. I will explore the positives and negatives of the British empire, and will end with a rounded conclusion. I think Britain was a great during this period because they helped many people get used to the modern world.
It brought great success to the western world, and ultimately to the rest of human civilization. Nations amassed new wealth, power, security and prominence that they could only dream of through imperialism. New ideas, technology and knowledge spread quickly throughout the then undeveloped world that caused them to become modernized. Western influence was felt all across the globe as a result and completed reshaped civilization within it. Though imperialism may have risen from overall selfish ambitions, it would eventually better the world. Politically, European competed to halt the expansion of their rivals and prove themselves to be the greatest nation at that time. Economically, countries looked to oversea colonies for natural resources and raw materials to fuel their growing industries and opportunities for new market ventures and more fortune from new businesses. Socially, many westerners viewed imperialism as a way for their race to prove itself the most “superior” while others took as as the chance to introduce Christianity and a better way of living to the most “uncivilized” people. Overall, there were many forces of economics, politics, and social views that were responsible for the new imperialism of the late nineteenth and early twentieth
In the late 1800s in Europe, Imperialism was wildly popular. Britain was especially successful at creating colonies in as many different places as possible. Because of the great scientific achievements of Britain in the long 19th century, they were able to quickly and easily take over large amounts of land and enforce control on the native people who were living there. Their primary focuses were on creating better trade routes and establishing western culture in “lesser” populations. Though many resisted the British invasions into their lands, some countries negotiated peace with them and handed over the territory peacefully.
Imperialism has occurred widely throughout history. China, Africa, and India are just a few nations out of many who have been victims of imperialism in the 1900’s. It is a form of economic exploitation in which the imperialist power makes use of other countries as sources of raw material and cheap labor, shaping their economies to suit their own interests and keeping their people in poverty either through direct or indirect rule. This is unequal and explains why imperialism has a negative impact on the world because it violates freedoms and human rights.
Much of the modern world would be drastically different without the influence of Britain throughout history. If history were to be rewritten employing Great Britain as anything but great, think of the impact this would have on modern life in the twenty first century; English would most likely not be the most common language, the industrial revolution would have been postponed for possibly centuries and nearly every aspect of history would have been different. How does a country become so successful to the point where without it, the world would be changed forever? This influence would not have been possible if Britain had not been as successful as it was. Although many variables were in play in contributing to this success, none were more influential and important than the fact that Britain was able to use its island status to prosper in naval battle, exploration, and invention.
Imperialism is one’s country’s domination of the political, economic and cultural life of another nation. The new Age of Imperialism began in the latter half of the 19th century, and it affected everyone. The British destroyed the Indians’ culture, their only goal was to utilize the subcontinent for their own profit. The British left India in a poor condition when they left. Overall, British rule had a negative, compelling effect on India.
In 1871 the German population had risen by 59% to 40 million people whilst the British population was at 31.6 million people . This shows that Britain did lose her industrial dominance because with her rivals having larger populations than her meant that her rivals became more productive and by having a bigger population more goods can be produced. Both Germany and the USA are far bigger nations than Britain. This is factor in why Britain lost her industrial dominance because a bigger nation meant more resources which were vital for industrialisation. This led to a decline in Britain industrial dominance because larger nations with more resources did not need to import as many raw materials from other countries and this affected British exports. Furthermore, by having more resources meant that countries like Germany and the USA could exploit them and use them to make more industrial goods which in turn led to Germany and the USA catching up with Britain and producing and exporting more than
Throughout history, many powerful nations interfered with nations that were weaker than they were. This form of sabotaging a nation is economic, political or cultural life is called as imperialism. Imperialism is often separated into two sects. The first one is old imperialism, which was the period from the 1500s to the 1800s, where European nation started to colonize many areas such as the Americas, and parts of Southeast Asia. On the other hand, the new imperialism was the period between the years “1870-1914”, where Europe became more focused on expanding their land into Asia and Africa. Imperialism had many pros and cons. In addition, it also had many causes led by the feeling of nationalism.
European Colonialism has been around since the late 15th century and their model for colonialism will exist for many years to come. Colonization could be considered to start as far back as the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. However, this colonization model was not near as deadly as the European model (Louis). The ancient civilizations educated, advanced, and motivated their colonies to succeed. The European model falls far short of the standard set in past years. This model for colonialism starts in the late 1400s when Britain began its reign over Ireland and Portugal with Spain began its conquest of the Americas. As this model exists currently the mother state sets up satellite states that provide resources to the mother country. The mother country then produces final products and sells them back to the satellite state. This eventually bleeds the satellite country dry of resources and economic means. The European model for colonization leaves the education and advancement of the satellite state up to the citizens themselves (Louis).
As learned earlier in the course, colonialism has two distinct forms. The first distinct form is the process in which one nation uses forceful means to obtain land. The second form of colonialism focuses mainly on “exploiting the
The glorious British Empire, at its height the most powerful régime in the world. Just a small island off the western coast of Europe, Britain grew to the span across the entire globe, effectively creating am Empire where the sun never set. Colonization, industrialization and a sense of nationalistic destiny drove the once expansive Empire. We still see effects of British imperialism today, which our global economy, as well as national tensions that germinated as a result of decolonization. Moreover, industrial revolution and push for independence manifested as a result of British influence. The same features that defined the British Empire, nationalism and commerce, lead to its demise.
Colonialism was a concept of superiority of one territory over another; it was a concept that originated centuries ago. Colonialism had been put into action throughout a long line of history and did not end after World War II in 1945. Even with resistance and efforts from independent states after the war, colonialism did not disappear and continued as a dominant system. It remained and changed its form, resulted in the process of globalization, which continued to control over newly independent states following World War II. Globalization, a form of colonialism, maintained power for the system over states or regions through economic terms with the development of the World Bank, and its derivation of structural adjustments. This financial institution was formed and contributed to colonialism; it assisted in the economic affairs of colonized nation(s). Along with class, professor Manfred B. Steger's book, Globalization: A Very Short Introduction, and I.B. Logan and Kidane Mengisteab's article, "IMF – World Bank Adjustment and Structural Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa," discussed the indirect rule of colonial powers through globalization.
The British Empire only finally started dissolving after the First World War, with the process being speeded up dramatically in the aftermath of the Second World War. The primary reason for the dissolution of the empire was economic and political rather than racial: after the Second World War, Britain was simply too impoverished to continue holding on to an empire created in a previous century, and it was easier to grant independence to the far flung colonies, especially when some of these turned violent.