Research Paper on The Establishment of Imperialism

The establishment of Imperialism is usually not directed towards any goal and can be bad for varying reasons. Modern imperialism was generated by aggressive instincts, and the acquiring of weapons, which were created out of necessity.

With the advent of weapons of every sort, the reversion to evolutionary throwback followed, with the war machine now controlling the state apparatus, which created conflicts and situations required for sustenance. History records that the Egyptian army was created to drive the Hyksos out of Egypt. The army later subjugated the state and pursued imperialism.

The later armies that followed, such as Alexander the Great fought wars for personal glory for The establishment of Imperialism, and for plunder. Capitalists promote imperialism to open up new avenues for their products.

An aggressive temperament is the natural ideology of a war machine. Nineteenth-century imperialism is visible in its most recent form of export monopolies, for they are dependent on the revenues imposed by their monopolies, without which their monopolies and thereby a source of significant revenues would be eliminated by foreign competition.

A prime example is a challenge posed by China to the current monopolies of the western imperialist expansionist designs, such as the American aggression against Iraq and Afghanistan.

Historical Background

Imperialism originated in the past with the conquest of nearby regions by ancient empires like the Roman Empire, which grew their spheres of influence. European nations, especially Spain and Portugal, started to explore and settle new lands in the 15th century.

The Age of Exploration began at this time, which is when European imperialism first emerged. Other European powers like Britain, France, and the Netherlands quickly followed Spain and Portugal in establishing colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Imperialism was founded for a number of reasons, including economic, political, and social ones. One important economic driver was the desire for money and resources.

The nations of Europe strove to expand the markets for their products and the sources of raw resources for their industries. In addition, they want to dominate trade routes and precious resources like gold, silver, and spices.

Imperialism was established for a variety of reasons, including political and military ones. European powers aimed to increase their spheres of influence and territorial reach. Also, they desired the construction of naval bases and military outposts.

The formation of imperialism was also influenced by social and cultural issues, such as the notion that European culture and religion were better.

Capitalism and Democracy

Capitalism and democracy are generally viewed as the promoters of peace; they are hostile to imperialism. If capitalism and democracy are given the opportunity to flourish unabated, then there will be no room for the establishment of Imperialism and it will fade away altogether.

Schumpeter states that democracy combined with capitalism will so absorb people’s energies so that they will abolish aggressive tendencies. Rational people demand democratic governance. In the entire capitalist world, antagonism is expressed towards expansionism or cabinet diplomacy.

Capitalism is associated with peace, and the populace of the capitalist world opposes imperialism. According to Machiavelli, The establishment of Imperialism in a republic fit for imperial expansion is the best way to guarantee the survival of a state.

He argues that republics are the best form of imperial expansion. It is not democracy that becomes a tyranny, and liberty is the product of competition and an allocation of powers among various bodies, which derives its strength from the general population.

Freedom also results from a powerful few intending to rule over and dominate the majority. Because of social differences, and different temperaments and characters, it is compulsory for a selected few to manage the others from being irresponsible in undermining the functions of the smooth running of state business.

Impact of Imperialism

The founding of imperialism has extensive beneficial and bad repercussions. On the plus side, imperialism made it easier for Western technology, language, and culture to spread over the world.

Also, it resulted in the creation of infrastructure including roads, trains, and telegraph lines as well as the establishment of reliable governmental institutions. Moreover, imperialism helped many nations improve their healthcare and education systems.

Unfortunately, the drawbacks of imperialism greatly exceed the benefits. The exploitation of labor and resources in conquered areas was one of imperialism’s most serious negative effects.

Native Americans were compelled to work in hazardous conditions in mines and plantations by European powers who also took raw resources from them. Many colonial peoples became impoverished as a result, and old economic structures were destroyed.

For many colonial peoples, imperialism also resulted in the loss of political and cultural independence. The governmental and legal structures established by European powers on colonial peoples suppressed indigenous traditions and practices. As a result, cultural identities and cultural heritage were lost.

In many regions of the world, imperialism also contributed to war and instability. Existing ethnic and religious divisions in colonized areas were frequently tapped into by European powers to divide and dominate the populace. Conflicts and wars resulted from this, and many nations are still affected by them now.

Imperialism Examples

While there have been numerous instances of imperialism throughout history, the British Empire and the colonization of Africa are two of the more noteworthy instances.

One of the biggest and most powerful empires in history was the British Empire. It encompassed areas in North America, India, Africa, and Australia and covered more than a quarter of the planet’s surface.

Through a mix of colonization, trade, and military conquest, the British Empire came to be. Although the empire helped the spread of British principles, culture, and language, it also resulted in the exploitation and plight of many conquered peoples.

Another notable instance of imperialism was the colonization of Africa. European nations started partitioning Africa into colonies and territories in the late 19th century. Economic, political, and social issues drove the colonization of Africa, which resulted in the exploitation of African labor and resources.

Conclusion

Imperialism is the practice of gaining more territory or colonies in order to increase a nation’s strength and influence. Through colonization, several empires, notably the British Empire and the Roman Empire, have expanded their spheres of influence throughout history.

Imperialism’s founding has had a significant impact on world history, influencing political, economic, and social institutions. The rise of imperialism shaped the political, economic, and social systems of the world and had a significant influence on history.

While imperialism helped Western culture and technology expand around the world, it also caused resource and labor exploitation in colonial areas, the loss of political and cultural autonomy for many colonized peoples, and war and instability in many regions.

It is critical to acknowledge the detrimental effects of imperialism and seek to right the wrongs that were done. Reparations, honoring the cultural and economic achievements of colonial peoples, and elevating the voices and viewpoints of those who have historically been disadvantaged are all ways to achieve this.

Also, it’s critical to learn from the errors of the past and make sure that comparable types of imperialism don’t exist today or in the future. Social justice, equality, and respect for the sovereignty of all peoples and nations are requirements for this.

In conclusion, the emergence of imperialism is a nuanced historical event that has influenced both good and bad outcomes. While imperialism helped Western technology and culture grow, it also resulted in exploitation, loss of autonomy, and war. It’s crucial to draw lessons from the past and seek to make the world more fair and just for everyone.