IMPERIALISM

Imperialism

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Motives of Imperialism3

Political Motives4

Ideological Motives4

Economic Motive4

Reactive Imperialism4

The Effects of Imperialism5

Victorious War6

Lost Wars6

Weaknesses in States7

Three Goals of Imperialism8

Global Empire8

Continental Empire9

Local Preponderance9

Methods of Imperialism10

Military Imperialism10

Economic Imperialism11

Cultural Imperialism12

Conclusion13

References14

Imperialism

Introduction

Imperialism is the practice of powerful nations seeking to extend and maintain control over weaker nations. Imperialism is often used for European powers of the previous three centuries. Imperialism is the direct control of authority over a geographical region. It dates from antiquity and has taken different courses throughout history. In different periods, different forms of imperialism have prevailed. It always start when people of a location rise to dominate other nations by creating a single and unified system of government (Lenin 1999, p.18).

. The famous empires of Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire are its best examples. European imperialism dates back to the 15th century. It took its form due to the overseas expansion of the European powers. Many competing monarchies established settlements in the New World and the East Indies. This imperialism was to find markets for the growing economies of the European powers. In the 19th century, the imperialism of Free State took shape. In this era, the British became the most dominating imperial power in the world. In the 19th century, the imperialism caused the annexation of territories in the Africa, the Pacific and the Asian region. In modern times, imperialism has given way to generally indirect modes of control over countries (Lenin 1999, p.18).

Motives of Imperialism

There have been many motives for the perseverance of imperialism. These can be classified as due to politics, economics and ideology. Some of the primary motives of imperialism are viewed and discussed below.

Political Motives

The political motives are perhaps the most controversial motives for imperialism. It provides that different states have a desire to expand their kingdom to find prestige, power and diplomatic advantages. This was helpful in gaining an advantage between rival states. French imperialism occurred after their defeat in the Franco-Prussian wars to regain the prestige in the international scenario (Sadosky et. al 2010, p.75).

Ideological Motives

Moral, ethical and ideological motives are also present in imperialism. Religious beliefs can be a driving factor in pushing for imperialism. The British marginalised their imperial campaign as one that gives culture and religious knowledge to the illiterates of the East (Sadosky et. al 2010, p.75).

Economic Motive

Imperialism occurs most due to economics. States are eager to dominate other nations as to find markets for their produces and also get access to rare raw materials. The discovery of the New World was profound to the availability of new much needed resources. These resources were needed in the European markets. Different European powers therefore took part in the conquest of Americas which later also affected them (Sadosky et. al 2010, p.85).

Reactive Imperialism

Sometimes political and geographical situation of a region forces the concept of imperialism on states. This argument says that sometimes states expand to cover up let's say growing political instability in a neighbouring region. This expansion is deemed essential because if the problems had not been catered they would ...