Dbq On Imperialism

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
Several Colonists desired self rule but were against taking violent measures to obtain freedom from the Europeans. An example of this is shown in the Indian Independence Movement, where political leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak believed that the Indians had a “stronger weapon, a political weapon, in boycott” (Document 6). Due to the Indian culture and religion often calling for pacifism, Tilak and the other Indian “rebels” would be more likely to seek peaceful methods of protest like boycotting in order to regain power. Document 6 illustrates a much more strategic and peaceful method to combating imperialism. This can be partially attributed to the Indian’s fairly decent relations with their British rulers. A more disapproving than violent sentiment toward the British can also be seen in Lin Zexu’s letter to Queen Victoria where Zexu claims that “they may not intend to harm others on purpose… they are so obsessed with material gain that they have no concern whatever for the harm they can cause” (Document 1). Zexu’s more subdued point of view could be that she is writing to the Queen of England, and thus shows respect, or that Zexu is less aggravated than some of her fellow Chinese neighbors on the effects of imperialism. Although some of the Colonists displayed less violent emotions than others, they still desired self
Some Colonists believed their society was backwards and needed the aid that Europeans could provide. Naoroji, an Indian politician, wrote about the benefits of the British rule listing that the British helped aid Indians in “Civilization, Politically, Materially, and Generally” talking about increased “education, both male and female” and several other benefits (Document 3). Typically the upper class Indians who placed taxes on other Indians, known as Lagaans, supported the British rule because they were able to become wealthy off of Colonization. Naoroji could have been apart of the Lagaan class that profited from British rule, but he also could have just been a politician who saw British control as beneficial for Indian society, thus creating his point of view. Similarly, the Fanti people of Africa recognized their need for the British authorities by stating, “we do not for one single moment pretend to be able to carry on a Government in the interior without such recognition and assistance” (Document 4). The Fanti believed that the British were vital to their modernization and improvements. This led to their optimism toward British