Colonial Imperialism: Causes and Areas of Expansion

**_Colonial Imperialism_**

Historical Context

Colonial imperialism was a phenomenon that emerged as a product of the historical, colonial, industrial, and capitalist revolution of the 19th century (1870-1914).

Unlike the old empires of the medieval era, contemporary colonialism was characterized by the conquest and economic exploitation of certain territories. Colonies were not integrated into the metropolis, which ruled in its exclusive right and exploited the human and material resources of the colonies. A minority of soldiers and businessmen led this exploitation.

**_Factors or Causes of Colonial Imperialism_**

1. Economic and Social Factors

• **Need for Resources:** Colonies were needed to provide food for a rapidly growing population in Europe, as well as cheap raw materials such as cotton, silk, wood, rubber, and minerals.
• **Market Expansion:** Capitalist industries, in fierce competition to lower their costs and gain more customers, needed new territories as exclusive markets where people would buy goods produced in the metropolis.
• **Investment Opportunities:** The new colonies appeared as ideal places to invest in railways, roads, and ports with little competition, offering very favorable terms.
• **Population Growth and Migration:** The strong population growth in Europe necessitated the search for land and work outside the continent, thus alleviating social tensions. Between 1870 and 1914, approximately 30 million Europeans migrated to colonies and new lands such as Australia, South Africa, the USA, and Brazil.
• **Social Mobility:** Certain social groups, such as the military and officials, pushed for conquests as a way to climb the social and professional ladder.

2. Political and Strategic Factors

• **Nationalism:** Strong nationalist ideas exalted colonial prestige, characteristic of strong nations, which was achieved through extensive empires.
• **Distraction from Domestic Issues:** Colonial expansion diverted popular attention from serious national problems and policies of each metropolis, presenting the acquisition of new colonies as a national objective.
• **Strategic Control:** Maritime trade and military expansion advised the control of certain areas and routes of great strategic value, such as the Suez Canal.

3. Ideological Factors

• **Racial Superiority:** Different racial groups presented the European race as more scientifically and intellectually prepared, justifying a "civilizing and Christianizing mission" against "infidels and savages."
• **Scientific Exploration:** Other approaches supported the conquest of unknown territories to expand geographical and scientific knowledge in general.

**Areas of Expansion**

1. The Indian Subcontinent
2. The non-European Mediterranean
3. Sub-Saharan Africa
4. North America, where there was the expansion of the U.S.
5. China and the Pacific area