Essay on Imperialism - 1350 Words

Imperialism is often excused as a way of liberating people from tyrannical rule or by introducing the policies of a â€Å"better† way of life. 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 beneficial. The second relates to the social aspect of imperialism and the natural desire to rule others. The third is protection and security, building up military powers around the world in order to help the main country when trouble erupts. Finally, the†¦show more content†¦Britain had feared that they would be cut off and India would be taken from them. Keeping India was essential to Britains survival as an empire, without which they would be just another European nation. To s olve this problem, Britain gained control of the Suez Canal, then eventually the entirety of Egypt. Another country needed in order to protect India was South Africa. Its port at Cape Town was an essential stop for all people en route to India. When gold and diamonds were later discovered in other parts of South Africa, Britain fought and annexed all of South Africa. At this time, neither Germany nor Italy was unified and France was busy fighting with Prussia. The European powers really had no interest in external affairs for the time. 1871 changed everything. Germany and Italy were unified and France had just lost the Alsace-Lorraine to the Germans. The French were the first to begin the annexation of Africa, mostly because they wanted to restore their lost sense of national pride. Because both Germany and France went for Africa, the English were suddenly faced with the fear of competition. An economic slump in Europe in the 1880s caused markets to become even scarcer than they were to begin with. In a futile attempt to right themselves as an empire, Britain began taking over land in Africa. After all, land in Africa was quite cheap. It was slightly afterwards that all the European powers realized what they had bought into, and had to face the factShow 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 st art 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. What were some factors that justified AmericanRead MoreImperialism in Burma1739 Words   |  7 Pagesfertile soil, and one of the healthiest climates in the tropics. Britain desired these features, so they imperialized the whole country in 1885 and imposed colonial rule throughout Burma. Imperialism is†¦ The British benefit and hurt the country in many ways, completely changing the country forever. Western imperialism in Burma was more costly than beneficial; even though the British improved and modernized education, transportation, and daily life, they also destroyed the economy, culture, and religionRead MoreBritish Imperialism1497 Words   |  6 Pagesand rule of British imperialism. What were some of the key ideas and visualizations that geographers portrayed to their empires, to understand and perceive the world and places in a more complete sense? Firstly, I am looking to go over the history of British imperialism and what co nstituted their great success. Secondly, I will be referring to the support and importance that the Royal Geographic Society served to the empire and how they attempted to conceptualize imperialism and rule over nationsRead MoreAge of Imperialism2874 Words   |  12 PagesUniversity of Phoenix Material 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. (Michele Stafford) †¢ Discuss why each area was important to American empire building (political, economic, and social). - KRISTY †¢ Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some of the factors that justified American imperialist actionsRead 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. TheRead MoreThe Negative Effects Of Imperialism884 Words   |  4 PagesImperialism. Noun. A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Imperialism is an age-old practice in which powerful countries will engulf or take over smaller weaker countries to expand their empire. New imperialism has the same idea, but it would have started in the 1870’s and the motive to continue this practice was heavily economic. Imperial powers will expand their empire for many differ ent reasons, the victims or the colonist will make an attempt