Evolution of the Labor Movement and Rise of Imperialism

Social Change and the Labor Movement

The social dominance of the bourgeoisie was maintained; however, in Western countries, the proletariat situation improved in the economic field. Mass production and lower prices enabled workers to become consumers and improve their quality of life. In the labor field, the pressure of the labor movement led many states to develop labor and social legislation to curb abuses, regulate working hours, and establish security.

Changes in the Labor Movement

• The labor movement gained members when the state recognized freedom of assembly and association and legalized workers' associations.
• Socialist parties were created for the purpose of gaining power and promoting social reforms. One prominent example was the German Social Democratic Party founded in 1875.
• Workers attempted to recover internationalism with the foundation of the Second International in Paris in 1889, which was socialist in nature.
• The movement discussed domestic issues such as the confrontation between pure Marxists and revisionists. This failed in its defense of the idea of coming to power democratically by participating in elections.
• The Second International also condemned imperialism and proclaimed solidarity with colonized peoples.

Imperialism and Colonialism

Since 1870, major world powers began a new colonial expansion known by the name of imperialism. Unlike earlier colonialism, it was based on systematic economic exploitation, conquest, and the acquisition of the greatest possible number of territories in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Colonial expansion was led by major European powers, primarily Britain and France. They were joined by other European countries and powers worldwide.

The Causes of Imperialism

• Political and Strategic: The possession of colonies became a yardstick to measure the greatness and power of countries. Strategic reasons were also present, such as the control of trade routes, the protection of a territory, or the prevention of annexation by rival countries.
• Demographic: Colonies provided territories to send national demographic surpluses and reduce internal social tensions.
• Economic: Increased production from the Second Industrial Revolution caused the need for industrial raw materials and new markets without customs barriers.
• Ideological: Certain ideological currents manipulated the ideas of Charles Darwin, applied to society, and used them to proclaim the superiority of the white race and their mission to civilize the world.