British Imperialism

In the 1870s, Britain colonized Africa and its coasts for two main interests: gold and slaves. However, gold was limited and therefore, its quantity dried up. Soon enough, palm oil had become the “new gold” and played an immense part in Britain’s growing industrial production. The Gold Coast, in fact, had a long history of merchants and foreigners who seek to extract the many riches the land possessed. Specifically, the British had established its footing on the Gold Coasts through its advancements during the Industrial Revolution and drove out other European competitors. Slowly, Britain had gained control of the Gold Coasts and come to agreements with local rulers to remain independent, but conform to certain rules imposed by the British.

Africa had been the target of colonialism and slavery for many years. The colonies that European’s developed during fifteenth and sixteenth century were the main reason that started slave trade in Africa.

During the late 1800’s, Europe was looking for a way to improve themselves as a whole. With growing population and a steady decline in available work, something new had to be done. Countries looked towards Africa to serve as new colonies for the Europeans in order to better their own countries. During the European acquisition of African colonies in the period 1880 to 1914 Europe’s attitude towards Africa was that Africa was the inferior race in comparison to the Europeans. With the help of a strong feeling of nationalism, Europeans were motivated to acquire new lands in order to improve their motherland’s

Imperialism is the takeover of a weaker territory or country by a superior nation. Around the year 1858, India became a victim to British imperialism. It was a valuable colony to britain, they even called it the “jewel in the crown”. Imperialism brought many benefits and drawbacks to India.

During the nineteenth-century European drive for possessions in Africa and

English, trade, and the United States of America, all great things that came out of British imperialism. Although its reach left some wounds that are not completely healed, it also sparked the creation of key parts of the world we live in today. Overpopulation and economic struggles in Britain allowed people to start anew and birth things like democracy in lands far from home. English was established as the common language, which broke communication barriers and opened the door for trade and commerce. Railroads and new technologies were established in Africa, who was stuck in the stone ages. Our world evolved through the struggles of imperialism, and these changes kick started many new ideas and ventures that have made the world what it is

Over the course of history, societies of greater technological advancements have dominated and often manipulated societies that lack their technological advancements. European countries and especially England have caused a great deal of damage to cultures and societies around the world through their manipulation of these entities.

South Africa was beneficial for Britain economically due to the Transvaal region (Northern Cape) as it brought in high profits from the diamonds found in Kimberley (1871) and gold that was mined from Gaueng (1886). This is one of the factors that helped the British Empire expand in Africa because they knew that South Africa provided a useful stop for ships on their way to India. Consequently, this resulted in conflict between British and the Boers, the Boers wanted a farming lifestyle whilst the British made the Boer’s country full of developing businesses and industries. Tensions between Boers and British led to the violent Boer War (1899-1902), which the British won. Britain was now very keen to ultimately control South Africa because of Rhodes desire for the Cape providing its strategic approach and economic value. Economic factors were the main reason for the expansion of Britain’s Empire within (South) Africa as well as strategic reasons because Britons wanted to grow the British empire but most importantly, their aim was to generate a high economic value as well as enhancing their opportunities to trade to other colonies.

British colonization had great influence on many people in different areas of the world. Their spread of trade, ideas, and government are seen in several developed colonies. India, one of these colonies, experienced significant changes with British colonization. However, the impact of the British also provided negative effects. Socially, economically and politically India would be changed with the arrival of and influence of the British.

Within this piece of writing, I am aiming to reach a conclusive, decisive answer to the extent of which geographical knowledge such as navigation, cartography and exploration allowed for the emergence and rule of British imperialism. What were some of the key ideas and visualizations that geographers portrayed to their empires, to understand and perceive the world and places in a more complete sense? Firstly, I am looking to go over the history of British imperialism and what constituted their great success. Secondly, I will be referring to the support and importance that the Royal Geographic Society served to the empire and how they attempted to conceptualize imperialism and rule over nations. Lastly, I will be assessing some of the key

During the period 1800-1900, Britain rapidly expanded its formal Empire to occupy an area of 4 million square miles. However, there is no simple elucidation as to the exact factor that motivated the British to pursue imperial expansion – rather, there are several aspects to consider. The ‘Scramble for Africa’ was part of the ‘New Imperialism’ period, an era of colonial expansion involving the major powers of the World: European Powers, the Empire of Japan, and The United States of America – and involved new concepts and ideologies that made it different from the way Britain usually pursued imperial expansion.

Egypt was a colony of Britain, British imperialism began in 1882. Egypt experienced suffocation of liberties. Egypt was ruled by Britain by indirect rule because Britain took control of the existing political structures and economies while the khedives provided native autonomy. Britain's interference with Egypt threatened Egypt’s social and political structure, especially the military. In 1881, Colonel Ahmad lead a rebellion against European intrusion. Britain then sent ships to Egypt to ensure their occupation over it. This reduced the size of the Egyptian army and Britain then their officers in command to control the Egyptian government. Britain made new laws for the Egyptians which included the restriction of Egypt's economic development

“The empire on which the sun never sets” is name familiar to all, this was the name given to the British Empire in 1921 after a period of rapid growth and ceaseless land acquisition. With such a wide range of power, one would think that imperialism was seen as beneficial to all involved, with the exception of the natives whose land was slowly being destroyed. A common theme in literature around this time was the condemnation of british imperialism. Some writers wrapped up their opinions in neat yet artistic lines, simply hinting at their disapproval while others went out of their way to make their voice heard and their opinion crystal clear. This style of writing, no matter how the author went about it, was known as postcolonialism.

During the years of European colonialism in Africa, slavery was used as the main source of labor for various colonial projects. Slaves worked on various levels of service to the colonial powers, especially the French. These include working on plantations and military service. Even though the French and the British were profiting from the labor and oppression of Africans, they soon faced opposition for their use of slavery as a tool for economic gain. In this essay, I will explain these elements of slavery in colonial rule, by detailing information from Martin Klein’s Slavery and Colonial Rule in French West Africa, and Trevor Getz’s Slavery and Reform in West Africa.

Imperialism is the is the action of a country extending its power by conquering territories, that may also exploit other colonies and is often associated with colonialism. Imperialism has denotations and connotations to the meaning or definition of it. Imperialism is expanding your country’s power and influences through military or diplomacy. Often force was used to get involved into the economy or culture often foreign countries they were trying to get involved with. “The English were lured by the wealth and success of the Spanish settlements throughout the region. Jamaica itself was relatively unimportant, but it was a hub of activity and had potable water and supplies which could be highly prized at times. There were several attacks against the island by the English, but the most significant early attack was by Sir Anthony Shirley in 1596”(Slavery). Greed led the british to continuing to pursue Jamaica seeing that they had many profitable things on their island.This paper will inquire about the british imperialism in Jamaica, and the showing of consequences in later establishment of Jamaica economical system.