Dbq Imperialism Essay

Between 1880 and 1914 European powers wanted acquire land in the African colonies. Political leaders encouraged settlement in the African colonies to promote their global dominance. Some think that this was just another example of greed for trade and the seeking of markets. However, others believe it was simply to fulfill capitalist needs: the desire of more raw materials and labor forces. A main factor that has commenced each leader to gain land is imperialism and some of the reasons include religion, economy, power, and social incentives. Many who gained a profit from colonization justify their motives, which can be seen through their personal reactions and feeling about imperialism.
The political leaders Prince Leopold and Joseph Chamberlain have positive feelings about imperialism and believe in extending a country's power through military force or diplomacy. Document 1, written by Prince Leopold, claims that Belgium can grow outside of Europe in order to gain more colonies, eventually leader to power. In a social aspect, he wants his country to be seen as imperial and stressed the economic importance of capitalism. However, Prince Leopold is a heir to the throne of Belgium, so his main objective may only be to increase his future countries

power and standing. Moreover, Joseph Chamberlain, a politician, conveys that the British isles has suffered continuously economically, so if they cut off the colonies there will not be much difference (Doc 2). Nonetheless, he is a British politician, so he would want Britain to gain money and resources to maintain and build the British Empire.
On the other hand, many Anti-Imperialists believe that Capitalism should not be pursued.

For instance, in “The Genesis of Jingoism,” William Clark states that capitalists value colonization and use nationalist support for their actions, which is “...one of the leading factors in breaking down nationalism…” (Doc 4). He believed the military funded money to help maximize profit in Africa. Similarly, the German Social Democratic Party Congress assume that colonialism is for greedy capitalists to make money and show off military (Doc 5). Nevertheless, since the writer is a socialist, he would say this, because he is expressing his disapproval of capitalist desires and that the greedy bourgeoisie wanted to invest in

capital.
In contrast, others have views of Imperialism and motives that are on other sides of the spectrum. Martial Henri Merlin, a Pro-Imperialist and governer general, wanted to gain all the new terirries in Africa instead of Europe (Doc 7). In his opinion, the more advanced people should have the right to take such valuable resources because the industraialized countries have an actual use for them. Conversely, as a colonial governer, he would support this because he directly benefits from the acquisitions in Africa, which intersts him. George Washington Williams, exposes that in Congo, the white leaders intimidated the natives, and were given alcohols so the Europeans could make treaties (Doc 3). He is a Baptist minister, not intentionally racist, was contempt of the exploition of the natives, which reveals his lack of consideration for others. Another piece of evidence that could further explain such controversial responses is the poem “White Man’s Burden”, by Rudyard Kipling, a Pro-Imperialist writer. In his poem, he thinks that the United States should help the Philippines. The U.S. acted similar to Britain of the Soviet Union, trying to imperialize over the globe.
The Age of Imperialism has made Europe consider both the advantages and detriments of colonization. A majority of those who benefitted from the exploitation believed that imperialism was important for the economy. Others, however, thought it was important to help the undeveloped civilizations. In comparison, British Imperialism in China took place during the nineteenth century and was economic, due to the high demand for silk, tea, and porcelain. British did not take over the Chinese land, like in India and Africa, but the impact is evident in today’s culture and politics.