Imperialism Essay, Research Paper

The new imperialism was caused by a variety of factors, including the onset of industrialization, nationalist feelings and unification movements. Economic, social and political forces accelerated the drive to take over all parts of the globe as well.

The race for new colonies came from national pride, patriotism and economic competition. People thought that if a country had a large territory then it was more powerful and other countries of smaller size, were inferior. All great nations in the fullness of their strength have desired to set their mark upon barbarian lands those who take no share in this great rivalry will pay a pitiable part in time to come (D#8). Basically Treitschke as well as other European s believed that unless a nation had a vast amount of land that they could not become anything economically large, and could not succeed as a nation.

Each country was politically trying to gain more control, and take control over more areas. That was the only way they could grow economically, and gain more money and power. Europe knew this all too well. They knew that in order for them to industrialize into what they wanted that they would need certain natural resources that only other areas had. They needed something new. Europeans ventured to new lands in search of raw goods and new materials. Soon Africa caught Europeans eyes. Filled with natural resources, Europe knew that they could greatly profit from Africa s gold, oil, coal, and diamond resources (D#3). For these reasons by the 1900 s Europe controlled about 90% of Africa (D#5).

Socially Europeans believed that they had the right and duty to bring the results of their progress to other countries. Cecil Rhodes was one of these people. He stated that- The people of England are finding out that trade follows the flag and Europeans have all become imperialists (D#7). The reason most Europeans felt this way was because they were very racist, and thought that they were the greatest governing race that the world has ever seen (D#6). They didn t take into consideration that other nations had their own share of things that could be bestowed on other nations.

Religion, and military also played a huge role in Imperialism. Missionaries wanted to Christianize the people of Africa, Asia, and other Pacific Islands supported imperialism. They thought that Imperialism would spread their religion and put an end to the slave trade, which they found barbaric. Military power was also an important part of imperialism. In order to conquer many nations and become a world power you would need to have a strong military force. Britain was small but had a strong Military force and was therefor able to take power over a vast region. (doc 1).

The new imperialism was caused by a variety of factors, including the onset of industrialization, nationalist feelings and unification movements. Economic, social and political forces accelerated the drive to take over all parts of the globe as well. By learning from the past it is easy to see that nations help each other when imperialism

occurs, and even when oppression of some nations does happen, a stronger, more patriotic nation is able to come to power. Through helping themselves, stronger nations are able to create economic conditions beneficial to all nations. Allowing stronger nations to intervene in the matters of weaker nations should be encouraged for the growth of both countries socially, politically, and economically.