Imperialism During The Late 1800s And 1900s

DBQ Essay
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.
Imperialist portrayed imperialism as a positive effect as they believed their empire would expand and prosper. As stated by Joseph Chamberlain in document 1, he states that colonist provided a way for expansion and control. He also states “...new markets shall be created, and the old

markets shall be effectually developed”. Joseph refers to a new economic system in India because of imperialism. As stated in document 2 British imperialism had equally benefitted Africa and Great Britain because the Africa was given the opportunity to learn simple ways of agriculture, such as the sinking of wells, the system of irrigation, and the introduction of planting while Great Britain forcefully occupied Africa. This meant the modernization of Africa and greater life benefits. Stated in document 3 “We have put an end to the awful misery of the slave trade and inter-tribal war, to human sacrifice and the ordeals of the witch-doctor” this meant the improvement of Africa's daily lives. The country's modern medicine was greatly improved, as result great famines were also solved(Doc 3). In the eyes of the imperialist powerful, they viewed imperialism as a positive force due to everyone benefiting from imperialism.
Colonist portrayed imperialism as a devastation as various societies affected by imperialism were degraded, exploited, and abused. During 1850 a majority of Africa’s population were free, however by 1914, the majority of Africa's population was under the possession of Europeans(Doc 6). Despite the Europeans freeing Africa of slave trades, the Europeans ironically enough enslaved a majority of Africa's population. Stated in document 8 “...the Japanese drew countless Korean youths and women to the battlefields, factories, and mines to aid in their conquest and wars….” this meant that countless of Korean lives were sentenced to harsh environments and death. This was beyond comprehension through the eyes of Korea as the actions and decrees of Japan were too appalling. The country's culture was greatly influenced, as Japan forced Koreans to worship the Japanese gods as part of their daily duties.