Though it may seem contradictory, the past is truly the future; and 19th century imperialism drastically changed the course of history. Imperialism caused European empires to scramble in order to conquer new lands and territories, and essentially to capitalize. Although imperialism had a positive impact on the imperialist such as Britain or France, it held the complete opposite for the imperialized such as Africa, and Asia. In fact, Africa faced many consequences as a result of imperialism such as a loss of culture, language, land, natural resources, and most importantly freedom. On the other hand, European nations benefited from imperialism, as they were able to build colonies, acquire trade routes, natural resources, land, etc. As a result …show more content…
As Africa was quickly overtaken, many nations were encouraged to participate to avoid falling behind in the rush for colonization. Additionally there were benefits in being first in the race for colonization, such as larger colonized areas, significantly stronger leadership over the nation, and a larger portion of natural resources. As a result of the escalating competition between the European nations, the Berlin Conference in 1885 was held to discuss the partition of Africa, and the regulations such as navigation of the Congo, slave trade, and occupation of the coast of Africa (Doc 5). Even in European entertainment, artists took advantage of European expansion in order to build a larger audience. Most times the source of the entertainment was located in a magazine, as document 4 gives an example of. In document 4, a cartoon published in the magazine Puck, showed a sleeping giant representing Africa having his continent taken by foreign powers. Flags of countries such as Spain, England, Portugal, France, Belgium, Turkey, and Italy are shown hastefully partitioning Africa (Doc …show more content…
For example, the prime minister of France Jules Ferry gave a speech proclaiming the many benefits of European colonization and racial superiority. Ferry even raised controversial ideas like higher races having rights over the lower races as well as the duty Europeans have to civilize inferior races (Doc 2). Additionally, the prime minister of France was not the only influential person to have views on race superiority, but British politician and businessman Cecil Rhodes shared the same perspective. Rhodes delved into these ideas in his essay titled “Confession of Faith”, and an excerpt of this essay displays his belief that Englishman are superior in society, and English colonization is beneficial for society (Doc 1). Taking into consideration that many European nations shared the same opinion on racial superiority, they used racism as an excuse for colonization, especially in Africa. As a whole, the three most significant causes of Africa's partitioning were the need for natural resources, the escalating competition between European powers, and
Throughout the 19th century, European Imperialism had a major effect on Africa. As countries expanded in terms of wealth, resources, and innovation, more territory and workers were needed. The first solution to solve these problems was to begin colonizing in Africa. The driving force for imperialism in Europe and Africa was mainly economical. This economical approach was established through many ways including cultural and nationalistic ideas.
Imperialism became a driving force among European nations in the growth of power and wealth. European countries placed large values on controlling colonies, similarly to how members of the aristocratic society today would put emphasis on owning an immaculate mansion or an expensive car. Colonies formed in Latin America, Africa, and Asia were seen as status symbols for the overarching European countries; colonies represented economic strength and political power, which was fueled by intense nationalistic spirits. Competition for colonies became the biggest aspect of imperialism, leading several European powers to bicker over controlling colonial trade. The voices of the Colonists were oppressed and ignored as their land and resources were
During the late 1800s and 1900s in various societies, imperialism played a major role. Imperialism consists of a country's domination of an economic and cultural life in another country. Within the 1800s and 1900s, Europe became a large-scale global leader. Europeans set up colonies all over the world, specifically Africa, India, China, and Japan. Imperialism is viewed through two different major points such as the imperialist and colonialist.
The 19th century set the stage for different policies that lead to the extending of America’s power, which is defined as imperialism. Imperialism started for different reasons like the Americans wanting the U.S. to expand or explore the unknown land, or even some feared existing resources in U.S. might eventually dry up. The reason imperialism started doesn’t really matter, but more of what it caused. Imperialism lead to Cuban assistance, the addition of Hawaii and Alaska to America, and Yellow Journalism.
As the 20th century approached, more and more countries grew desperate for land, resulting in an imperialistic activity known as the Scramble for Africa. The European imperialists were motivated by three main factors; economic, political, and social. These factors made countries compete for power and eventually led to the scramble for African territory. Although economic expansion at times was a positive outcome of European imperialism in Africa, these positive effects are outweighed by negative outcomes such as loss of culture and independence.
Throughout history, many powerful nations interfered with nations that were weaker than they were. This form of sabotaging a nation's economic, political or cultural life is called 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 nations 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.
The establishment of global empires greatly impacted the world as imperial powers tightened links between civilizations worldwide. Imperialism not only brought people together but it put divisions between them as well through the use of powerful tools and deadly weapons.
Imperialism in the late 19th century became a competition among European countries to take control of as many areas in Africa before the others did. For the most part, France, England, and Germany competed for bragging rights to these countries. They thought at the time that the more colonies a country had the more prestigious and noble that country looked. European countries were in pursuit of demonstrating their power. Not only this, but imperialism helped build a strong economy in the mother country because they could invade their colony and strip them of their natural resources in order to produce goods with. In turn, that country could then sell these good to the colony in order to make money. Rudyard Kipling talks about this fierce competition in “The White Man’...
The Age of Imperialism brought many changes that caused suffering and improvements in countries. The domination of Europeans in Asia and Africa brought benefits and sufferings. When reading in between the lines, it is clear and obvious that the European?s domination gave Asia much to benefit from and Africa more to suffer from. Asia gained tons of economical power and was educated with Western ideas, but in the long run they turned Western literature it into Chinese matters. On the other hand, Africa lost economical independence.
Many reactions were given to Imperialism and the dividing and establishing of colonies in Africa from 1180-1914. Some justified "The Scramble for Africa" for economic reasons or in other words,for money, others justified it for political reasons, and others were motivated because they believed in "White Man's Burden" or the belief that it was the duty of civilized europeans to civilize the "lesser" peoples of Africa. These reactions lead to Europe owning an astounding 84% of the whole world by 1914.
The 19th Century was a time of scientific advancement and discovery. When this century began, the Western World was right in the middle of the Industrial Revolution, and there were many advancements being made along with new countries joining in the industrialization. Along with that, figures such as Charles Darwin, Herbert Spencer, and Thomas Malthus emerged in the 19th Century, bringing with them new ideas that would change the world. The 19th Century was also a time of imperialization, primarily in Africa. The industrialization in the West, along with the ideas of Darwin, Spencer, and Malthus, no doubt led to the reemergence of imperialism.
19th century imperialism in Africa was fueled by greed and arrogance rather than the supposed willingness to help by the Europeans. This was reflected in the more negative effects on Africa than positive. “The White Man’s Burden” exposed the realistic intentions of imperialism. Further advancement of European countries was the sole concern.
In the late nineteenth century, early twentieth century, western nations wanted to expand their territory. After the industrial revolution provided western Nations wealth and technology that could be used to take over less advanced societies. European powers proceeded on building empires in Africa. They found Africa to be home of many valuable natural resources they needed to fuel they industries, and supply cheap raw materials for factories. They wanted new markets where they could trade good produce by factories, and a place to invest profits. European Nations also wanted to spread Christianity, and though themselves to be superior. Meanwhile, powerful industrialized European countries wanted to gain powers by building overseas Empires. Through economic and military powers, European was able to colonize, and dominate Africa. European Imperialism had a negative impact on African’s culture; environment and was racist to African while trying to make them adapt to western manners.
At the end of the nineteenth century, a new trend among the larger countries came about; imperialism. This is the process of one country taking charge of another country. Imperialism is made up of three main processes. The first process is military force, in this process a country will send military troops into other countries to physically implement new rules and behaviors when necessary. The second aspect of imperialism is global trade. The United States of America is always looking for new ways to bring in money, so by imperializing other countries and using the newly acquired land and goods, the superior country would make a profit. The last tool of imperialism is diplomacy (the making of deals without violence). From 1895 to 1945 imperialism
The concept of imperialism is one that has pervaded nearly every major society or empire throughout human history. It seems to be a natural consequence of societies growing in size, power, and knowledge. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries vast changes occurred in Western Europe (and soon spread elsewhere) that spurred a new round of imperialism the likes of which had not been seen before. The changes were the industrial revolution that was taking place. Countries were rapidly advancing to industrial societies producing much greater quantities of goods at much lower costs. The goods produced ranged everywhere from cotton textiles to military machinery, all of which would play important roles in rounds of imperialistic expansion that would follow. The imperialistic displays by Western European nations also brought about several other industrial revolutions in other regions including the Ottoman Empire, Russia, and Japan. I will take a look at how the industrial revolution encouraged imperialistic expansion, as well as some of the results of that expansion in other regions.