Five Reasons for Imperialism
1. Economic
The Industrial Revolution stimulated the hunt for colonies. First, colonies provided raw
materials. Second, colonies served as a market for surplus manufactured goods.
2. Political
Every country wanted national hegemony – that is, to be the No. 1 imperialist country in the
world. To achieve this, they wanted to control as much of the world as
possible. The nation’s greatness is measured by the quality and quantity
of its colonies. Folks wanted to plant the flag in as many places as
possible. Every country wanted recognition as a world power. They
wanted to improve their reputation among other European countries.
They wanted to increase their political power and prestige. Every country
was in competition with its rivals. You took territory – simply to prevent
your rival from getting it!
3. Military
Every imperialist country was worried about its own national security: The competition
among imperialist powers was vicious. One had to protect one’s own
country and its colonies. Every country wanted to gain military
advantage over its rivals. A colony could serve as a fueling station for
the Navy. A ship could stop and load up on supplies. Some spots in the
world, especially waterways, were strategically important. The Navy
was paramount: It must have freedom to travel to and from the
colonies.
4. Cultural
Social Darwinism was the prevailing belief in Europe. It explained why some countries were
rich and some were poor. People compete for survival. The strong survive.
The rich were naturally superior. The weak were unfit. Poverty was a sign of
being unfit. The poor were naturally inferior. The European colonizers were
the Superior Races. The African and Asian colonized were Inferior Races. The
Europeans regarded themselves as racially and culturally superior to the people
of Africa and Asia. Humanitarians argued that it was Europe’s noble duty to
uplift and enlighten the backward peoples. Belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority
was prevalent.
5. Religious
The “missionary impulse”: Christianity is superior to all other religions. We must
spread Christianity to Asia and Africa. Religion encouraged imperialism. People
felt they needed to acquire territory in order to Christianize people. A serious
moral issue – Christianity is in direct conflict with Social Darwinism. Under
Christianity, all people are equal in God’s eyes. Under Social Darwinism, the
Europeans are superior and the Africans and Asians are inferior. There was also a
certain element of hypocrisy: While the European
