From 1800-1914 there existed a period of enormous European imperial acquisition that gobbled up entire continents and brought millions of people under Western rule. Much of this mad dash for territory stemmed from the Industrial Revolution and the formation of several new countries, such as Italy, Germany, and Belgium. During the period of rapid industrialization that preceded the second wave of European imperialism, technology and manufacturing processes developed at an extraordinary rate. Although this at first brought profit to countries all on its own, soon the economy had grown too big for the Western resources and market. In order to buoy their capitalist societies, countries like Britain immediately sought out lands that would provide novel resources and markets. With vast amounts of territory came vast amounts of wealth: tea and spices from the Pacific Islands, cocoa and palm oil from West Africa, and gold, diamonds, and other precious metals from South Africa. Using these new goods, Britain adopted mercantilism and continued to profit further off of its colonies. For example, by 1840 Britain was exporting 60% of the cotton …show more content…
With the increased sense of nationalism, the scramble for imperial holdings served to satisfy the craving for victory. The “us versus them,” mentality that played out over the course of imperialization distracted the common population from ongoing problems at home, thus earning their steadfast approval. Meanwhile, the upper echelons of society experienced gross financial gain, feeding their gluttony with the world’s ever dwindling resources. It was this partnership of a satisfied upper and lower class that encouraged the continuation of colonialism, thus ensuring colonies’ dependence on Western society and sealing their fates as ones of struggle and hardship under the European
The British were able to obtain diverse raw materials for goods because of their central location. Great Britain had good access to the atlantic ocean which gave it good ports.Britain often exported opium to China. Often luxury items such as tea and silk was exported. In 1875 they also imported 125 pounds of cotton that was used in the British textile industry. Great Britain was successful for its industrialization giving that they were holding lands in places
Therefore, one must understand how throughout the times of Imperialism, and Industrial Revolution, aspects such as working conditions, population expansion and colonial enhancement prove why advancements were beneficial to the modern world in the long run.
The 1800s were a time of change in the world. Industry and imperialism became the main focus of many nations, no nation more than Great Britain. Britain already being a world power, lead the charge of industry throughout the world, using their far superior technology at the time to imperialize and colonize almost any nation that would benefit them. Britain was the workshop of the world and required an abundance of raw materials to fuel their industry. After losing a majority of its land in the west to American independence, Britain turned its attention to the east. Britain expanded to Africa and India both full of resources, and both full of people with different cultures, customs, and religions. When the British colonized these new lands, they changed things. Britain advanced the land and the territories greatly in terms of technology and society, it came at the expense of the native peoples.
This decade portrays the exploration of the Europeans to the American colonies which allowed England, France, Holland, Spain, and British to colonize with other lands and obtain power by expanding their territory. Nevertheless, England rose as the country with the dominant colonial power. Throughout this decade, the demand for silver and other valued items influenced trade globally by commercializing and strengthening European trade. In addition, the desire for power and control enriched the economy of the Europeans. The rise of European colonization also shaped cultural globalization since traders established various ethnic societies in foreign regions. European explorers were to stop at nothing in order to achieve success in expanding their
From 1880 to 1914, Industrial European countries favored the idea of Imperialism in African colonies which motivated them to acquire resources, riches, and territory which eventually led them to seemingly have an attitude in which their race was superior. Even before Imperialism became popular, England had colonies such as the American Colonies which spread their ethnicity and race as well as their power. Europeans countries began to comprehend and understand that they could use the resources for their operations and expansion toward their country. The De Beers Mining Company was a prime example of how Imperialism allowed European countries to obtain resources and territory which made them stronger and richer. Africa was the motherload,
During the industrial revolution was also a time when imperialism was at its height. Because of all the inventions that were created during the industrial revolution, countries all over the world decided that they not only just needed money to keep their empire at large, they decided that they need more land. And so the countries and empires in Europe set out to conquer the country that was nearest to them, Africa. Not only did Africa had a large amount of people to sell for slaves, it had most of the materials and ingredients Europe needed to invent more inventions. And for this reason Europe was at competition with each other to gain more land and materials for their empire.
Prior to the 19th century imperialism of both Africa and Asia, revolutions and changes of territories led the Europeans to colonize these continents. The industrial revolution was a major impact to new imperialism. This revolution raised Europe’s economy and forced them to find new opportunities to sell the goods they have produced. Also, the change and loss of territories around the world meant a decline of power for Europe, and yet another reason to imperialize. The 19th century imperialism of Africa and Asia was caused by the industrial revolution because of goods, resources, and new markets in their countries. The industrial revolution also influenced imperialism based on the military and technological advances, such as the invention of
The British had the idea of mercantilism where a the economys wealth was judged by how much gold and silver it had, the colonies supplied the mother land with materials and then the mother country produced products to sell back to the colonies
Before long, Great Britain, France, and other Europeans found goods like cotton, coffee, gold, diamonds and much more that could make them millions (Doc D). After getting a taste of Africa’s natural valuables, Europeans were hooked. They began to trade their resources and before long, the hard work to seize land payed off. Great Britain; the country with the most prosperous land made six million off of imports and three million off of exports in 1854 from their South Saharan territory(Doc E). By 1900, they doubled their import revenue and increased export revenue by eighteen million (Doc E).
India was colonized by the British because of the abundance of natural resources including natural gas, coal, gold, diamonds, and copper. Britain wasn't the only country running for the mines; Germany established the German East Africa Company. They established gold mines and used advanced machinery along with hard labor to invest their resources in the mining industry (Doc 8). In the eyes of Germany, the market of home made goods has decreased in the rise of imperialism and each country has a market waiting to be established (Doc 5). By investing in a new market in one country, one country may expand the market through the imperialism of other territories and gain control over that industry. Britain had the advantage over other European countries colonizing countries in Africa because they spread out their territory over the entire continent, enabling Britain to control multiple industries. The control of multiple industries sparked a rapid increase in capital which also increased Britains power. This power came from money to invest in a strong military, broad trade relations, and new
Beginning in the 16th century, the Atlantic world had a profound effect throughout the world bringing unimaginable wealth to countries who took risks seeking for reward. England being a large competitor had made its mark through the establishment of colonies on the east coast of the North America and the West Indies, these colonies served as military outposts and more importantly means of extracting raw materials from untouched lands. These colonies did not come easily they faced massive obstacles unknown to the English, disease, drought, and harsh winters. By the middle of the 18th century the Chesapeake colony (Virginia and Maryland) matured into a venture of unheard of profits.
Industrialization added to Britain’s desire for raw materials and new markets and the British were motivated by this desire and looked for colonies to obtain. Adopting the policy of imperialism was economically beneficial for Britain, since it helped supply Britain with raw materials for industrial development, along with cheap food for Britain’s developing population. Britain chose to become imperialistic, because it would bring them prudent and economic benefits.
The European powers that were in much need for resources during the 1500s through 1800s were Great Britain, France and Germany. During 1500 and 1800 Africa seemed like an impossible feat to conquer because of malaria but this wouldn’t stop the persistence of the leaders of France and Great Britain. The idea of exploring and conquering new land meant more to these leaders because of the motivation to keep their national security strong and keep their economy stronger. These countries would use their remaining resources to look for more disposable ones so that their empires could grow considerably. Great Britain would be dug in the
The cultural ties to empire are not so easy to efface as the political ones. This is perhaps one of the most important lessons the world has learned from the mass movement towards independence on the part of European colonies in the past half-century. Even we Americans, more than two hundred years after having rejected the British monarchy and all it stands for, are forever poking our noses in the
Industrialization began in 1877 and ended in 1900 the United States (U.S.). To have Industrialization, you must have these four things: natural resources, transportation, urbanization, and technology. During this era, jobs became a necessity for citizens in the United States, industries began to boom as well as new homes for people, but that also caused problems. Transportation was developed and it made life easier for transporting people and goods from place to place. Many inventions helped the United States with many things. For example, the telegraph helped send messages and the light bulb helped people see in the dark. Also, many Americans were losing their jobs because of immigration. Children during this time period had it just as rough as the adults, maybe even more than them. The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities, industries, new inventions, and major points that created transportation and housing for citizens because of new jobs and productions.