Imperialism

Definition

Imperialism is the policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through military force, political domination, or economic control. This concept not only involves direct territorial acquisition but also includes indirect means of exerting influence, such as economic exploitation and cultural assimilation. It plays a significant role in shaping political landscapes, particularly in regions like Latin America during the 20th century, where foreign powers intervened to protect their interests and curb revolutionary movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the 1960s, the U.S. implemented the Alliance for Progress as a response to the threat of communism in Latin America, which many viewed as an imperialistic approach to maintain influence over the region.
2. The U.S. often engaged in counter-insurgency efforts to suppress revolutionary movements in Latin America, showcasing how imperialistic strategies were employed to protect American interests.
3. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Latin America faced significant political instability largely due to external influences from imperialist powers, especially from the U.S. and European nations.
4. Caudillismo arose partly as a reaction to imperialism, where strongman leaders gained power amid the chaos created by foreign interventions and local instability.
5. Imperialism led to socio-economic changes in Latin America, as local economies were restructured to serve the needs of foreign investors and powers.

Review Questions

• How did imperialism shape the political landscape of Latin America during the 20th century?
  • Imperialism significantly impacted Latin America's political landscape by fostering instability and influencing governance. The presence of foreign powers, especially the United States, led to interventions that supported or undermined local leaders based on their alignment with foreign interests. As a result, many countries experienced coups and shifts in leadership that created a cycle of dependency on external powers.
• Discuss how the Alliance for Progress reflects imperialistic ideologies in U.S. foreign policy.
  • The Alliance for Progress is a prime example of how U.S. foreign policy was rooted in imperialistic ideologies. Launched in 1961, it aimed to improve economic conditions in Latin America to prevent the spread of communism. However, it often resulted in reinforcing American dominance over Latin American economies and politics by promoting policies that favored U.S. interests while undermining local autonomy.
• Evaluate the relationship between caudillismo and imperialism in shaping political instability in Latin America.
  • Caudillismo emerged as a response to the power vacuum created by imperialism in Latin America, where local strongmen rose to fill gaps left by unstable governments influenced by foreign intervention. These caudillos often utilized populist rhetoric and military might to maintain control amid the chaos of imperialistic pressures. The cycle of foreign influence and local authoritarian rule contributed significantly to ongoing political instability in the region.

Related terms

Colonialism: A practice closely related to imperialism where a country establishes control over a foreign territory by settling its own population and exploiting local resources.

Neocolonialism: The use of economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence other countries, often seen as a continuation of colonial practices in a modern context.

Hegemony: The dominance of one group over others, which can be established through cultural, ideological, or political means, often seen in the context of imperialistic relations.