Imperialism Essay - 1104 Words

Imperialism was reborn in the West with the emergence of the modern nation-state and the age of exploration and discovery. It is to this modern type of empire building that the term imperialism is quite often restricted. Colonies were established not only in more or less sparsely inhabited places where there were few or no highly integrated native states (e.g., North America and Africa) but also in lands where ancient civilizations and states existed (e.g., India, Malaya, Indonesia, and the Inca lands of South America). The emigration of European settlers to people the Western Hemisphere and Africa, known as colonization , was marked by the same attitude of assumed superiority on the part of the newcomers toward the native populations†¦show more content†¦The eastward spread of Russia after the 16th cent. and the westward spread of the United States may also be termed imperialistic, although the United States did not actually acquire colonial possessions until the Spanish-Am erican War. In the late 19th cent. Italy, Germany, and Japan also developed imperial ambitions; these nations, like the older colonial powers, were moved by a variety of aims, including commercial penetration, military glory, and diplomatic advantage. Imperial nations built their empirial fortunes by plundering the world of it’s vast resources. Silver from the mines of South America, spices from Indonesian islands, Jade from ancient China, and even the trade of human beings from across Africa helped pay for the gigantic palaces, museums, theatres, cathedrals, municipal buildings, and for almost everything else that was considered â€Å"western civilization†. For centuries, European greed enriched one small continent at the expense of the rest of the planet. Throughout history, The West convinced itself that its cause was the only just one, its religions the only one that lead to God, and its economic institutions of greed, called ‘capitalism’ or a ‘free market economy,’ the only true expression of human nature. At its best, European imperialism brought economic expansion and new standards of official administration and public health to subject countries; at its worst, it meantShow MoreRelatedThe Goals Of Imperialism714 Words   |  3 PagesImperialism has increased peace and stability for various areas of the world through limiting slavery, improving land distribution and promoting different political systems. The first topic that I will be addressing is slavery. The goal of imperialism was to help areas who seem â€Å"uncivilized†, and from the start of this movement many people stated that they wanted to abolish slavery. Thomas Sowell (an american economist) once explained, â€Å"The anti-slavery movement was spearheaded by people who wouldRead MoreCauses Of Imperialism843 Words   |  4 Pagesprevious historical tension and nationalism. Supporting evidence shows that imperialism was the main and most significant factor of the outbreak of World War 1. Imperialism is defined as the domination of one country’s political, economic or cultural life by another. European countries had been establishing colonies and building empires since the late 1400’s. The period of 1850 to 1914 is often referred to as the â€Å"Age of Imperialism†, since a lot of powers used their military, technological and commercialRead MoreAmerican Imperialism797 Words   |  4 PagesAssociate Program Material Appendix A American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. Discuss why each area was important to American empire building—political, economic, and social. Explain America’s expansionist ideals. 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It is based on the ground of a variety of causes running the gamut of economic pressures, greed, security, power, prestige, religion, and many other effective measures that can be taken given the circumstances. Arguments about the roots and virtue of imperialism can be put into four basic groups. The first is whether or not imperialism is economically beneficialRead MoreA Passage to India: Imperialism1677 Words   |  7 PagesDiscuss Forster’s portrayal of Imperialism in the novel a passage to India A passage to India by E.M.Forster is a novel which deals largely with the political, economic and social takeover of India by the British Crown. The novel deals widely with colonialism and more specifically, imperialism. Forster presents the theme in question through the lives and minds of the characters from both the Indians and the English people. There is no subjective undertone to the novel and we see clearly how eachRead MoreAppendix a American Imperialism1314 Words   |  6 PagesAssociate Program Material Appendix A American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. Discuss why each area was important to American empire building—political, economic, and social. Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some factors that justified American imperialist actions? Identify the currentRead MoreEssay on Imperialism in America1192 Words   |  5 PagesImperialism in America At the turn of the century, America and the views of its people were changing. Many different ideas were surfacing about issues that affected the country as a whole. The Republican Party, led by William McKinley, were concentrating on the expansion of the United States and looking to excel in power and commerce. The Democratic Party at this time was led by William Jennings Bryan, who was absorbed in a sponge of morality and was concerned with the rights of man. The