Q.

4) “New-imperialism was led primarily by economic factors and

not nationalistic ones as claimed by colonizers.” Critically Examine.
(10 Marks)
Answer:

The term Imperialism simply means the policy and practice of forming and maintaining an
empire. The European powers followed this policy approximately from 15th century till mid of
19th century. New Imperialism however refers to the wave of colonial expansion in the late
nineteenth century wherein among many European countries , the United States and Japan
snatched up an unprecedented amount of foreign territories under fierce competition. The
Berlin Conference of 1884-85 kicked off New Imperialism more rapidly.

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Economic Factors:

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● European states saw the need to establish strong interna onal markets that could
support their country’s manufactured products abroad. As many of the western nationshad
undergone through Industrial Revolution, trade competition had become tough and

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bitter.
● Colonies in Africa and Asia were seen by many Western Na ons as possible sources of
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necessary and cheap raw materials, such as cotton, minerals, rubber or petroleum etc.
And also served as a place of market for their finished goods at higher cost.
● Surplus Popula on: Colonies also served as an outlet for surplus European
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population.

Nationalistic factors:
EB

● Na onal rivalries: Under aggressive na onalism in Europe,many important poli cal

leaders in Europe saw imperialism as a way to maximize popular support at home.
Imperialism satisfied urges not only of leaders but also of public such as lust for
adventure, exploration and power, sense of superiority, prestige and glory accruing from
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a vast colonial empire. Britain glorified in the boast that 'the sun never sets in British
Empire'.
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● Na onal Defence Factor: Imperialism served the purpose of na onal defence by

creating "buffer states" and by providing men of war, line of communication etc. For
example India supplied over 400,000 men for Britain during First World War. The need
to secure sea route ,ports, foreign base for their navies, as well as the ability to raise
colonial armies to help fight was a necessity for European states looking to establish
themselves as world powers.

Other Factors:
● Ideological Factor: New imperialism aided in spreading particular ideology such as
communism by Russia,Nazism by Hitler etc
● Religious Factor: Ongoing works of Christian MIssionaries in Asia and Africa added
fuel to New Imperialism.
● Cultural Factor-The White Man's Burden: Some strong supporters of imperialism saw
territorial expansion as a moral enterprise that could bring the blessings of a superior
civilization to those that were considered inferior.
 The famous poem, “White Man’s Burden” written by Rudyard Kipling, expressed Kipling’s
views of racial and paternal disdain as he saw colonized peoples as “half-devil and half-
child.”
 In ground reality imperialist forces never tried full heartedly to improve the overall
socioeconomic, political conditions of people in colonies. Instead they kept on exploiting the
resources. But after a deep analysis it can be concluded that the said intent of imperialist
forces was more of economic gains than the nationalistic one.

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IL
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C
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EB
H
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