Imperialism

Definition

Imperialism is a policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through military force, colonization, or economic dominance. This practice was particularly pronounced during the Victorian era, where European powers sought to expand their empires across Africa, Asia, and beyond, driven by a mix of economic interests, national pride, and a sense of cultural superiority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Victorian era, Britain emerged as a leading imperial power, controlling vast territories including India, large parts of Africa, and various Pacific islands.
2. The Industrial Revolution fueled imperialism by creating a demand for raw materials and new markets for manufactured goods, driving countries to expand their reach.
3. The ideology of 'civilizing missions' justified imperialism as Europeans believed they were bringing progress and civilization to 'backward' societies.
4. The competition among European nations for colonies led to diplomatic tensions and conflicts, exemplified by events such as the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885.
5. Imperialism had significant social and cultural impacts, including the spread of Western education, religion, and cultural norms in colonized regions.

Review Questions

• How did the economic motivations behind imperialism influence the political decisions made by Victorian-era powers?
  • Economic motivations played a crucial role in shaping political decisions during the Victorian era as countries sought new markets for their industrial products and sources for raw materials. This drive for economic expansion led to aggressive foreign policies and military interventions in regions like Africa and Asia. As nations competed for resources, their political strategies often included establishing colonies, which provided both wealth and strategic advantages.
• Analyze how the concept of 'civilizing missions' was used to justify imperialist actions during the Victorian period.
  • 'Civilizing missions' served as a key justification for imperialism during the Victorian period, suggesting that Western powers had a moral obligation to uplift so-called 'primitive' societies. Proponents argued that by spreading Western education, religion, and governance structures, they were doing a service to these cultures. However, this ideology often masked the exploitation and violence that accompanied imperial expansion, highlighting a complex relationship between perceived altruism and economic exploitation.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Victorian-era imperialism on both colonizing and colonized nations in the context of global relations.
  • The long-term impacts of Victorian-era imperialism are profound and multifaceted. For colonizing nations like Britain, it led to immense wealth accumulation and global influence but also created challenges such as nationalist movements in their colonies. For colonized nations, imperialism often resulted in loss of sovereignty, cultural disruption, and socio-economic challenges that persisted long after independence. These historical dynamics have shaped contemporary global relations, including ongoing discussions about reparations, cultural identity, and geopolitical power balances.

Related terms

Colonialism: A practice within imperialism involving the establishment of control over foreign lands and the settlement of people from the colonizing country.

Scramble for Africa: The rapid invasion and colonization of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century.

White Man's Burden: A term used to justify imperialism, suggesting that it was the moral responsibility of Western powers to civilize and uplift non-Western societies.