Understanding Modern Imperialism
Imperialism defined by J. Osterhammel is “the concept that comprises all forces and activities contributing to the construction and the maintenance of transcolonial empires”(Osterhammel, 21). The defining features of modern imperialism will assume the power and ability of an imperialist to define its own interests and create an anarchy and apply it worldwide to other nations or countries. Imperialism thoughts and ideas not only applies local colonies but instead it applies worldwide around the world. Imperialistic ideas and thoughts usually involve colonies featured in deals or bargains between the Great Power.
Colonialism defined by J.Osterhammel is “a relationship of domination between an indigenous (or forcibly imported) majority and a minority of foreign invaders. The fundamental decisions affecting the lives of the colonized people are made and implemented by the colonial rulers in pursuit of interests that are often defined in a distant metropolis. Rejecting cultural compromises with the colonized population, the colonizers are convinced of their own superiority and of their ordained mandate to rule”. (Osterhammel, 17). The defining features of colonialism includes a whole entire society that had all their development or history completely changed to the needs and wants of their new rulers. Usually new rulers are very hesitant or even unwilling to make cultural compromises to their new colonies.
Modern imperialism/Colonialism lasted for a long period of time. Throughout the years, the ideas and concepts developed and changed. Modern Imperialism/ Colonialism changed a lot from their own early versions. In the beginning, an aggressor’s main objective or goal was to use military force, weapons, and violence to take over local governments of other countries or nations. Their goal was to expand their empire to other parts of the world by taking over other countries with violence. Conquest and acquisition of other countries were a main objective. The aggressors wanted to establish more land and show off their power. There was competition between the aggressors. A huge purpose and goal for taking over other nations and countries was to gain and obtain raw materials from those countries. They wanted to get materials and goods that were not present or available in their own country.
Throughout the years, the concepts and ideas of the aggressors transformed into new updated ideas. Technology played a huge factor in the modern imperialism/colonialism period. There was the emergence of new inventions such as the steamboat, gun, and medication for diseases like malaria. One of the most important and earliest inventions that appeared in this era was the steamer. “It was steam that opened the rivers and shallow waters of the world to the Europeans”.(Headrick 235) The steamer gave the Europeans a whole new perspective and opportunities to explore and learn more about the rest of the world. Malaria was a huge problem for European soldiers while they were invading nations in Africa. It claimed the lives of many European soldiers. As time progressed, the Europeans started to find ways to treat the disease with technology. “The solution to malaria was a triumph not of science but of experimental technology.”(Headrick 245) Due to technology, the treatment of malaria which was quinine prophylaxis emerged which made it easier for European soldiers to invade other nations since the Europeans no longer need to worry about catching this disease anymore. Guns also played an important role in the modern era. It allowed the Europeans to defeat opponents in an easier manner since their opponents did not posses such technological innovation. While describing the significance of guns in the era, Headrick states, “The new weapons of the sixties and after were so powerful that those who owned them often got their way by demonstration alone.”(Headrick 258)
In the modern imperialism/ colonialism period, there were not a lot of acquisition or conquest of territories. Instead, the aggressors focused more on trading and a lot of trading centers were opened throughout the world. South Africa known for its resources of gold and diamond was an important nation for international trade among the world. Copper mining in the Belgian Congo and the petroleum in Iraq were also important materials that was traded at this time period.The idea of free trade began to become popular and business alliances became forming. When describing modern colonialism, the author states “Modern colonization is an affair of capital and not men, and capital knows no country”(Osterhammel, 26). Modern imperialism/ colonialism in the modern times focused more on wealth and money rather than population and size.
Overall imperialism/colonialism changed a lot over time. Modern imperialism/colonialism saw the emergence of technology and free trade. The inventions of the steamboat, quinine prophylaxis, and guns proved to be a vital factor for the Europeans and made it easier to control their colonies. The advanced technology that the Europeans had proved to be a clear advantage that they had over their colonies in Asia and Africa.
Working Definitions
Colonialism- a policy or usage of acquiring and gaining control and influence over another country or nation
Imperialism- a policy or usage of adding and extending the power and strength of a nation or country over other colonies
Colony- a nation or country that is under the power and control of another country
Empire- a group of nations or countries that belongs to one single aggressor
Colonialist Ideology- the idea of one group of people or nation dominating and controlling other independent nations
Steamboat- a steam-driven vessel, especially a small one or one used on inland waters.
Quinine Prophylaxis- the preventive treatment of malaria
Questions for Further Inquiry
1) How were the lives of the citizens of the colonies during the time of imperialism?
2) How did people respond after the end of imperialism?
About the Image
My image shows 3 hands ripping out a piece of land from a farm land. In this picture, we can see that each hand is competing against each other to get land. This is a representation of modern imperialim/ colonialism since land is being taken away in a forceful manner.