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Pros And Cons Of Imperialism

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The act of a country overtaking a country in desire to build an empire is called imperialism. Imperialism has occurred around the world for hundreds of years. In most instances, the countries with the most resources and money were successful in expanding their societies. However, while countries widened their territory, they would take to destroy other civilizations. In the 17th and 18th century, these countries were usually Europe or North America and would attempt to give an explanation for their actions. Westerners justified imperialism by means of social Darwinism, the belief of having a superior understanding of the divine, and commercial expansion.
The first way Westerners justified imperialism was through social Darwinism. Social Darwinism is the theory which believes in survival of the fittest. Social Darwinists defended imperialism by saying countries that were building empires were superior to other civilizations because they had more resources and money. Historians David Olusoga and Casper W. Erichsen wrote, “The white races had claimed territory across the globe by right of strength and conquest. They had triumphed everywhere because they were the fittest.” Imperialists conquered many territories desiring to become more politically and economically powerful. Most Westerners tried expanding into Africa in the late 1800’s because it was the only continent not ruled Europeans. They believed it was their obligation to ‘civilize’ the places that they overtook. In

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