Imperialism and Colonialism: Causes, Phases, and Consequences

Imperialism is a political doctrine that seeks to subjugate other states. Some of its causes were: the rise of large European powers, the establishment of major overseas empires, the emergence of new colonial powers (Germany, Belgium, USA, and Japan), the pursuit of European economic expansion, the needs of financial capitalism, an adventurous spirit (journalists), and technological superiority. Its consequences include an armed peace, a war setting fueled by radical nationalism, and the emergence of intense rivalries after the Berlin Conference.

Colonialism is the domination of one country by another, more powerful one, violently through military invasion. There are three phases:

• Conquest:

  This phase emphasizes military occupation, the importance of transportation (navigation), and the establishment of power in a single continent (Belgian and Italian). British, German, and French empires became pluricontinental.

• Organization:

  Colonies were established, direct administration implemented, and strategic bases and domains created. Protectorates (administration of territories), mandates, and concessions also emerged.

• Exploitation:

  Colonies became suppliers of raw materials and consumers of manufactured goods, with industrial powers colonizing key capitals. Protectorates (administration of territories), mandates, and concessions emerged.

Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private property, free competition, free markets, and the pursuit of economic success. Its phases include:

• The First Industrial Revolution:

  However, it was business and financial capitalism, developing since 1870, that was characterized by large capital investments for creating large production units, large-scale financing, and the growth of banks and joint-stock companies.

The results were significant industrial development, the emergence of monopolies and business groups (cartels, holdings, and trusts), increased trade and investment, aggressive nationalism, colonialism, and imperialism. The ultimate result was the creation and development of the global market.