Causes of Imperialism: Economic, Political & Ideological Factors

The Causes of Imperialism

Key: Europe. The enormous technological development in Europe, led by the Second Industrial Revolution, imposed its economic model, its ideals, and its culture on much of the planet. Between 1873 and 1890, there was an economic crisis, which originated in an agricultural crisis. Wheat from the United States and Russia reduced domestic cereal prices and triggered a general decline in agricultural and industrial prices. Soon, a crisis of overproduction began in all sectors. Reserves of products accumulated, prices declined even more, and many industries closed.

The industrial world emerged from the crisis by greatly expanding its markets. The imposition of protectionist policies made it imperative to find markets and resources elsewhere in the world.

Economic Causes

In the last third of the 19th century, Europeans sought new economic spaces with the following objectives:

• To establish markets in which to sell their industrial production.
• To obtain raw materials and energy at low cost.
• To use unskilled labor and low wages.

Infrastructure was built in order to facilitate the entry and exit of capitalist products. Capitalists searched for places where their investments were more profitable, finding those with abundant raw materials, cheap labor, and low foreign investment competition. Developed economies' investments were directed to other industrialized countries, such as the United States. Questions arose about profitability, as the costs to maintain the colonial administration and the army did not always justify the benefits.

Political and Demographic Factors

The expansion of industrial powers was caused by the desire to increase their political power. They rushed to control commercial and military maritime and land routes to hinder the expansion of their competitors and saw the colonies as a strategic factor in increasing their military power. The huge natural growth that the population of Europe experienced led to significant emigration; this population helped to develop policies of imperialist expansion.

Ideological Causes

There was scientific interest among Europeans in exploring unknown parts of the world. Scientific societies were established, geographical and anthropological expeditions were organized, and routes were opened to be used by colonizers. Racist conceptions defended the superiority of the white race, accompanied by the nationalist fervor of the great colonial states, who claimed superiority and proclaimed their duty to disseminate European culture, religion, and civilization throughout the world. The missionary activity of Christian churches was also prominent.