Imperialism in the Late 19th Century

Imperialism, particularly in the last third of the nineteenth century during the Second Industrial Revolution, saw major European powers leverage their superior technical and economic capabilities to create vast colonial empires. These empires were established by colonizing territories such as Africa and Asia, which often had very weak economic and political structures.

Causes of Imperialism

• Economic Causes

  European nations sought new markets to invest capital and to extract raw materials as cheaply as possible.

• Demographic Causes

  Growing populations in Europe had trouble finding work. Colonialism offered Europeans the possibility to emigrate and improve their life and work prospects.

• Political Causes

  The Great Powers entered a competition to control geographical areas of economic or strategic interest, asserting political and military dominance.

• Ideological Causes

  Conservative nationalism defended the superiority of some nations, justifying their imposition upon other peoples. This often led to racism, considering the white man superior to other ethnicities. Very few voices were raised against this, defending the right of all peoples to self-determination.

Consequences of Imperialism

• Introduction of European Advances

  European developments were introduced into the colonies.

• Infrastructure Development

  Advances allowed the construction of ports, roads, and railways.

• Agricultural and Industrial Changes

  New farmlands were put into production, and industries were created primarily for the benefit of the Metropolis.

• Public Health Improvements

  Introduction of hygienic measures helped reduce mortality rates. This led to population growth, but often resulted in chronic undernourishment.

• Missionary Activity

  Missions and missionaries aimed to "help" indigenous populations but also sought to convert them to Christianity and impose Western values.

Economic Transformations in Colonies

• Privilege and Indigenous Submission

  Aristocratic and bourgeois groups held privileged positions, imposing the economic interests of the colonizers. The indigenous population was subjected, and their condition worsened.

• Land Seizure and Agriculture

  Lands were taken over by settlers, forcing indigenous people to abandon subsistence crops. This ensured they had to work on plantations that benefited the metropolis and buy food to survive. Plantation agriculture was significantly expanded.

• Ruin of Local Craft Industries

  Local handicraft industries were ruined by competition from industrial products imported by the metropolis at bargain prices.

Social and Cultural Changes

• Disruption of Traditional Life

  The intense pace of work, urban life, and the introduction of new values and religion fundamentally disrupted traditional lifestyles and hierarchies.

• Colonial Segregation

  Colonial society was a reflection of segregation. Settlers from the mother country lived in luxurious houses, ate well, dressed well, were entertained, and generally did not relate to the indigenous people who often lived in miserable conditions. In some countries, there was even a legal separation between members of different ethnicities.

• Loss of Indigenous Identity

  The imposition of Western culture often led to indigenous cultures losing their identity, a process known as acculturation.