new imperialism
The extension of sovereignty and control was dormant in the west during most of the Middle Ages. It flourished during the age of exploration and discovery, particularly in America and parts of Asia. In the age of Metternich, with governments concentrating primarily on internal problems, a general decline in imperialism occurred. The new imperialism, revival of imperialism, took place during 1870-1914. Heavy demands for raw materials and a large surplus of European capital was brought about by the industrial revolution, which created economic depression in Europe and America. Major European countries required investment abroad due to the accumulation of capital. Nationalism was a huge factor in colonization; the concept "survival of the fittest" of the social Darwinism, the obligations of the "white man's burden", and the political prestige in having colonies contributed to the spirit of nationalism. Military is another reason for the new imperialism. In each major country military organization wielded great political power and emphasized the need of controlling strategic areas and establishing key military bases. The new imperialism differed from the classic imperialism; public opinion was considered important and people should
Values of the capitalistic economical system such as free trade and laws of competition were derived originally from the industrial revolution put Europe through an extensive industrial and expansion competition; "colonial policy is the international manifestation of the eternal laws of competition" . Rudyard Kipling for instance, urged the United States to take up the "White Man's Burden" of bringing "civilization" to the other races of the world. Justifying colonialism was an important step to convince people that it would protect the interests of the nation and humanity, and having access to take advantage of resources. To ensure total control over those long term profiting new markets, military forces were implanted to show the western power and railways were built to transport the materials extracted. For example, in the case of Russia, imperialism "brought Russia into war with Japan in which it suffered humiliating defeat" . Rivalry and conflict between western nations for colonial expansion lead to World War 1 in 1914. Higher powers persuaded the public opinion by convincing them that they were meant to educate and civilize the "unfit". It was a highly expensive project to maintain and administrate a colonizing empire; "acquiring and administrating an empire was an enormously expensive process, draining off funds that might have been used for economic and social reforms" . Possession over natural resources, territorial expansion, agriculture production, and military purposes were all solid factors that tempted major European countries and the United States to strive colonization. The New imperialism gave rise to new social views of colonialism to peruse the public opinion. The western countries were not as blessed with long-term advantage as they sought it to be. In the case of Hebrides islands the British realized the commerce, military and economic advantages they could attain, it was realized that "if any other nation takes possession of them, their excellent harbors, so well supplied with fresh water, and their proximity to the British Australian colonies, would in time of war make them dangerous to British interests and commerce in the South Seas and her colonies" . Aside from the financial drain caused by imperialism, it was also considered a "morally reprehensible activity" . Governments also justified imperialism using Social Darwinism theories.
Common topics in this essay:
European American,
Social Darwinism,
America Imports,
Major European,
World War,
South Seas,
America Asia,
Europe United,
Man's Burden,
Middle Ages,
raw materials,
european countries,
public opinion,
industrial revolution,
european countries united,
major european countries,
natural resources,
countries united,
major european,
lead world war,
laws competition,
military bases,
rich soil,
white man's burden,
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Acceptance Essays
