Imperialism

Definition

Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means. This concept significantly shaped 19th-century politics, driving nations to compete for overseas territories and leading to cultural exchanges and conflicts that influenced art, literature, and international relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the late 19th century, European powers expanded their empires significantly, claiming vast territories in Africa and Asia through both military conquest and negotiation.
2. Imperialism was often justified through ideologies such as Social Darwinism, which promoted the belief that certain races were superior and destined to rule over others.
3. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalized the rules for the division of Africa among European nations, leading to increased tensions and conflicts both in Africa and back in Europe.
4. Resistance to imperialism often sparked nationalist movements in colonized countries, contributing to significant social and political changes that would later lead to decolonization.
5. The legacy of imperialism has had lasting effects on global power dynamics, economic disparities, and cultural exchanges that continue to shape international relations today.

Review Questions

• How did imperialism influence political relationships among European nations in the 19th century?
  • Imperialism created intense competition among European nations as they sought to acquire colonies for resources, markets, and prestige. This competition often led to alliances and conflicts, as nations aimed to expand their empires while also trying to counter the ambitions of rivals. The pursuit of empire directly influenced diplomatic relations, contributing to tensions that ultimately played a significant role in the outbreak of World War I.
• Discuss how cultural elements were impacted by imperialism during the 19th century.
  • Imperialism had profound effects on culture, both in colonizing countries and in those being colonized. In Europe, literature, art, and philosophy began to reflect themes of exploration and exoticism inspired by colonial experiences. At the same time, indigenous cultures faced suppression or alteration due to colonial rule. This exchange led to a complex interplay of influences, where Western art forms were infused with local elements from colonized regions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of imperialism on global power structures and movements toward decolonization after World War II.
  • The long-term effects of imperialism fundamentally reshaped global power structures by establishing economic dependencies and fostering national identities among colonized peoples. Following World War II, many former colonies began pushing for independence as a direct response to imperial legacies. The inequalities established during the imperial era laid the groundwork for decolonization movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, leading to significant political changes and the emergence of new nation-states. These movements often reflected the unresolved tensions caused by imperialist policies that prioritized exploitation over equitable development.

Related terms

Colonialism: A form of imperialism where a country establishes control over foreign lands and peoples, often settling its own population there and exploiting resources.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often leading to the pursuit of independence or the desire for dominance over others.

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