Imperialism

Definition

Imperialism is a policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. This practice often involves the domination of one nation over another and can significantly impact economic and political relationships between countries. Imperialism is closely linked to economic motivations such as the pursuit of resources and markets, as well as the ideological justification of superiority, often seen in mercantilist practices and Marxist critiques of capitalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Imperialism played a crucial role in shaping global trade patterns by facilitating the flow of resources from colonized regions to imperial powers.
2. The rise of mercantilism during the 16th to 18th centuries heavily influenced imperialist policies, as nations sought to accumulate wealth through trade and control over colonies.
3. Marxist theorists argue that imperialism is a direct outcome of capitalism's need for expansion and new markets, viewing it as a means for capitalist countries to exploit developing nations.
4. Imperialism often led to significant cultural changes in colonized regions, including the spread of language, religion, and governance systems from the imperial power.
5. The impact of imperialism is still felt today, as former colonies continue to deal with economic disparities, social issues, and identity crises resulting from their historical experiences.

Review Questions

• How does imperialism relate to the principles of mercantilism and neo-mercantilism?
  • Imperialism is deeply rooted in mercantilist ideas, which emphasize state power and wealth accumulation through trade. In this context, nations engaged in imperialism aimed to secure resources and markets by establishing colonies. Neo-mercantilism continues this trend by advocating for state intervention in the economy to protect domestic industries, which can manifest as modern forms of imperialistic practices through trade agreements that benefit powerful nations at the expense of weaker ones.
• In what ways do Marxist and neo-Marxist perspectives critique imperialism as part of capitalist expansion?
  • From a Marxist viewpoint, imperialism is seen as an extension of capitalism's inherent need for expansion into new markets and resources. Marxists argue that powerful capitalist nations exploit less developed countries to maintain their economic growth. Neo-Marxists further emphasize how this exploitation leads to underdevelopment in colonized regions, creating a cycle where former colonies remain economically dependent on their former colonizers, thus perpetuating global inequality.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of imperialism on global economic structures today.
  • The long-term impacts of imperialism have fundamentally shaped today's global economic structures by creating patterns of wealth distribution that favor historically powerful nations. Former colonies often face ongoing economic challenges due to exploitative practices established during colonial times. This has led to persistent inequalities and hindered development in many regions. Moreover, the remnants of colonial systems can still influence political relationships and economic dependencies in contemporary international relations, suggesting that the effects of imperialism are not merely historical but continue to resonate in global dynamics.

Related terms

Colonialism: Colonialism is a form of imperialism where one nation establishes control over foreign territories and peoples, often resulting in the exploitation of resources and imposition of cultural values.

Neocolonialism: Neocolonialism refers to the continued economic and cultural dominance of former colonial powers over newly independent nations, often through indirect means such as financial dependency or political influence.

Exploitation: Exploitation involves taking unfair advantage of a resource or population, commonly seen in imperialism where colonizing nations extract resources from subjugated territories.