The New Imperialism

Imperialism’s definition according to Britannica Encyclopedia, is a state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas. [1] Imperialism dates back to ancient times where empires were fighting to gain more power and more lands. The kingdom of power was changing hands among the empires from time to time in history. Alexander the Great achieved control of Asia and the Middle eastern under the imperialism of Greece in 356–323 BCE.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, there was a race among the mostly European countries to colonize other countries in Asia, Africa, and South America to benefit economically and politically. “In 1880, European states embarked on an intense scramble for overseas territory. This new imperialism, as some have called it, led Europeans to carve up Asia and Africa” [2] The rise of Nationalism within European states lead to a competitive race of expanding into new regions.

New imperialism was needed in Europe to determine the power of the state. Not just for economic power, but it was more for political power and prestige among European states. ‘Once the scramble for colonies began, failure to enter the race was perceived as weakness, totally unacceptable to an aspiring great power.” [3]

In conclusion, New imperialism benefited European states economically and politically with the colonization of Asia, Africa, and South Amerika, especially Great Britain. “the New Imperialism was characterized by a burst of activity in carving up as yet independent areas: taking over almost all Africa, a good part of Asia, and many Pacific islands… the increase in new territories claimed in the first 75 years of the 19th century averaged about 83,000 square miles (215,000 square kilometers) a year. As against this, the colonial powers added an average of about 240,000 square miles (620,000 square kilometers) a year between the late 1870s and World War I (1914–18)”[4]

Sources;

1- Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Imperialism.” Encyclopedia Britannica, February 26, 2020. https://www.britannica.com/topic/imperialism.

2- Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 741

3- Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization Volume II: Since 1500, 10. Ed. pg. 741

4- Magdoff, H. and McDougall, . Walter A.. “New Imperialism.” Encyclopedia Britannica, June 26, 2020. https://www.britannica.com/topic/New-Imperialism.