Imperialism
Imperialism is a policy (way of governing) in which large or powerful countries seek to extend their authority beyond their own borders. The policy of imperialism aims at the creation of an empire.
Imperialist countries take control of other countries. They may use military force to do this. However, they may also avoid using military force. They may simply establish economic and/or political control over the other country.
Imperialist policies of countries or kingdoms have goals of taking over more land to create bigger empires.
The ruler of an empire gains natural resources such as agricultural and mining products. Human resources are also gained. Conquered peoples may be forced into slavery or into low-wage work. They may also be called into military service on behalf of the empire. Trade markets are also gained. The people under an imperial government may be forced to buy products from that government or from that government's industries.
Thus, a policy of imperialism can vastly enrich the imperialist country. This benefit can extend over a long period of time.
Imperialism has been practiced throughout recorded history. However, there is one historical period that is specifically known as the Age of Imperialism. This period extends from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century.
During the Age of Imperialism, modern and industrialized countries competed for control of pre-industrial parts of the world. In pre-industrial areas, natural and human resources were widely and cheaply available. The imperialist countries that acquired the largest empires during the Age of Imperialism are The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States.
Some writers use the term "imperialism" informally. They use the term to mean any type of domination of one country over another part of the world. Domination especially happened in Asia and Africa.
Imperialism Media
Illustration representing Cecil Rhodes' plan of building railways across Africa, connecting Cape Town and Cairo, aimed at extending the British Empire.
Colonial empires in 1800
Updated Colonization 1945 with New Zealand and more attractive legend including flags
Africa, divided into colonies under multiple European empires, c. 1913 Belgium Germany Spain France United Kingdom Italy Portugal
British assault on Canton during the First Opium War, May 1841
This cartoon reflects the view of Judge magazine regarding America's imperial ambitions following McKinley's quick victory in the Spanish–American War of 1898.
Entrance of the Russian troops in Tiflis, 26 November 1799, by Franz Roubaud, 1886
By displaying oversized flags of British possessions, this map artificially increases the apparent influence and presence of the British Empire.
Related pages
Other websites
- Imperialism Quotations
- State, Imperialism and Capitalism by Joseph Schumpeter
- Economic Imperialism by A.J.P.Taylor
- Imperialism Entry in the Columbia Encyclopedia (Bartleby)
- The Nation-State, Core and Periphery: A Brief sketch of Imperialism in the 20th century. Archived 2007-12-14 at the Wayback Machine
