Jonah Patel
The nineteenth century saw a dramatic shift in Europe's interactions with the world, as the desire for economic growth and national rivalry fuelled an aggressive expansionist agenda. This 'New Imperialism' was driven by the need for natural resources and new markets for industrial goods, as well as a sense of national pride and superiority. As a result, European powers raced to colonise and exploit lands and people in Africa, Asia, and beyond, with devastating consequences for millions of innocent people. This period of intense imperialism had a profound impact on European diplomacy, as nations competed for global power and influence, shaping international relations and the world as we know it today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Economic growth | Natural resources, new trade markets, increased power |
| Rivalry between nations | Superiority, competition, national pride |
| Need for formal political control | Annexation, foreign rule, empire-building |
| Social and religious reasons | Western superiority, a duty to "civilize" inferior races |
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What You'll Learn
Economic growth and the Industrial Revolution
Economic growth and the need for natural resources were significant factors in Europe's pursuit of imperialism. The Industrial Revolution of the 1800s created a demand for natural resources to fuel newly invented machinery and transportation. Resources like coal, iron, and rubber were in high demand, and some nations did not have sufficient raw materials to support their industrialization.
As a result, European countries sought to expand their influence and gain access to the natural resources available in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. This expansion also provided new markets for selling industrial goods, as traditional industries became displaced by manufacturing in foreign countries. For example, the British East India Company obtained natural resources in India and sold goods in markets worldwide, becoming highly profitable.
The desire for economic growth and the need to bolster trade markets abroad were driving forces behind European imperialism. With industrialization in full swing, Europe needed more places to sell their goods. Africa and Asia, with their vast natural resources and potential for new markets, became attractive targets for imperial expansion.
Additionally, the surplus population in Europe during this time contributed to the promise of economic growth through imperialism. Countries like the Dutch sent a significant number of people to work in their colonies, as seen in Indonesia, where almost a million Dutch people were sent. This movement of people helped establish and expand European influence in these regions.
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Nationalism and a sense of superiority
Imperialism was influenced by nationalism and a sense of superiority. The Industrial Revolution and nationalism shaped European society in the 19th century. The most active European countries in terms of imperialism were Britain, France, and Germany. These nations were prompted by economic, political, and religious motives to expand their influence over other regions, with the goal of increasing their power across the globe.
Nationalism, or pride in one's country, played a significant role in imperialism. People were proud of their growing countries and their accomplishments, as exemplified by the saying, "the sun never sets on the British Empire," indicating the vast extent of British colonial possessions. This sense of nationalism created a competition among European countries to showcase their power and prestige, leading to heated tensions and conflicts.
The sense of superiority held by imperialist nations was deeply rooted in their belief in the superiority of Western culture. They considered themselves to have a duty to "civilize" and educate the indigenous populations they encountered, regarding them as savages or inferior races. This belief was explicitly stated by Jules Ferry, who served twice as Prime Minister of France. In a speech in 1884, he asserted the right and duty of superior races to civilize inferior races. This mindset justified the exploitation and brutal treatment of local populations, as seen in the case of Cecil Rhodes and the colonization of South Africa.
The combination of nationalism and a sense of superiority fueled the competition among European nations to acquire more land and expand their empires. This dynamic contributed to the aggressive expansion policies and direct military force employed by European countries in their colonization of Africa and Asia. The desire for economic growth, fueled by the Industrial Revolution, also played a significant role in this process, as Europe sought new markets and resources to sustain their industrialization.
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Rivalry between European nations
Imperialism was a major cause of conflict and rivalry between European nations. Economic growth, fuelled by the Industrial Revolution, was a key motivator for imperialism, as European nations sought new trade markets and access to natural resources. This led to competition and rivalry as nations raced to acquire land and resources, with the belief that more land equalled more power and prestige.
The most active European countries in terms of imperialism were Britain, France, and Germany. These nations, along with others, competed for influence and power across the globe, leading to tensions and conflicts. For example, Britain and France had an ongoing conflict over control of North America, which came to a head during the French and Indian War (1754-1763).
Nationalism also played a role in the rivalry between European nations. As countries expanded their empires, a sense of pride and accomplishment grew, along with a sense of competition and a desire to show off their power. This was exemplified by the saying, "the sun never sets on the British Empire", indicating the vast reach of British colonial possessions. No country wanted to see an untrusted empire gaining ground, further intensifying the rivalry and competition for colonial expansion.
The Great Game, a term referring to the rivalry between Britain and Russia, provides a notable example of this intense competition. The two nations engaged in a bloody battle for influence and control in Central and South Asia, demonstrating how imperialism fuelled rivalry and conflict between European powers.
Additionally, social and religious factors contributed to the rivalry. European imperial powers believed in their moral superiority and felt it was their duty to "civilize" and educate the indigenous populations they encountered. This sense of cultural superiority further fuelled the competition among European nations to expand their empires and bring Western culture to foreign lands.
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The impact on colonised nations and their people
Imperialism had a devastating impact on the millions of people in colonised nations across the globe. The most active European countries in terms of imperialism were Britain, France, and Germany. In the late 1800s, economic, political, and religious motives prompted these nations to expand their influence over other regions, with the goal of increasing their power across the globe. The Industrial Revolution of the 1800s created a need for natural resources to fuel newly invented machinery and transportation. Some nations did not have enough raw materials to support their industrialisation and looked to other lands to find them.
Europeans also sought to expand outside of their borders to enter foreign markets for the purpose of selling industrial goods. Traditional industries became displaced as manufacturing and markets moved to foreign countries. This led to the exploitation of the people and resources of colonised nations. For example, the British East India Company obtained natural resources in India and sold goods in markets throughout the world, and English businessman Cecil Rhodes claimed huge tracts of land in South Africa, brutally exploiting the labour of the local population, resulting in thousands of deaths.
The expansion policy of European countries was motivated not only by economic needs but also by political and social needs that associated empire-building with national greatness and the superiority of Western society over "backward" societies. This sense of nationalism and pride in one's country fuelled imperialism, creating a sense of competition among European countries to show off their power and prestige around the world. This competition ignited already heated tensions between European countries, and conflicts began to spread.
The impact of imperialism on colonised nations was not limited to economic exploitation and political domination. European imperial powers also sought to impose their cultural values and beliefs on the indigenous populations, considering themselves superior to the natives. They looked down on indigenous civilisations and felt the need to bring Western culture and "civilise" the "savage" population. This led to the disruption of indigenous cultures and ways of life, as well as the perpetuation of stereotypes and colour prejudice.
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Justifications for imperialism
In the 19th century, several factors led to the expansion of European imperialism. Economic, political, and religious motives, as well as nationalism, prompted European countries to expand their influence over other regions. The Industrial Revolution, for example, created a need for natural resources to fuel newly invented machinery and transportation. Resources like coal, iron, and rubber were in high demand, and some nations looked beyond their borders to fulfill this demand.
European powers also sought to expand their influence and wealth through imperialism, driven by the belief in Western superiority and a perceived mission to 'civilize' and educate the 'savage' or 'uncivilized' population. This belief in Western superiority was a significant justification for imperialism, as it was viewed that these 'inferior' cultures needed guidance and 'improvement' from the more 'advanced' Western civilizations. The desire to spread Christianity was also often cited as a justification for European imperialism.
Nationalism also played a role in justifying imperialism. People were proud of their growing countries and their accomplishments, and this pride created a sense of competition among European countries to showcase their power and prestige around the world. This competition further fueled the tensions between European countries, leading to conflicts.
The idea of expansion was also a key motivator for imperialism. Imperialists like Cecil Rhodes and Jules Ferry promoted the notion that there would soon be no opportunity for further expansion, creating a sense of urgency among European powers to claim new territories. At the Congress of Berlin in 1884, 15 European powers divided Africa among themselves, fully colonizing the continent by 1914, and exploiting its people and resources.
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Frequently asked questions
The three main motivators of European imperialism were economic growth, rivalry between nations, and moral superiority.
Imperialism dramatically changed the world during the latter half of the 19th century. By 1914, European powers had fully colonized Africa, exploiting its people and resources.
Imperialism had a devastating impact on millions of people across the globe, particularly in Asia and Africa, who endured untold suffering at the hands of invading European powers.
Imperialism fueled national rivalries and conflicts between European countries. It also shaped European society, with nationalism and a sense of pride in one's country influencing imperialist expansion.
