Imperialism and Colonialism 1870 - 1914

 

Unit Objectives:

 

Imperialism is a type of advocacy of Empire. Its name originated from the Latin word "imperium", meaning to rule over large territories. Imperialism is "a policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means". Imperialism has greatly shaped the contemporary world. The term imperialism has been applied to Western (and Japanese) political and economic dominance especially in Asia and Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its precise meaning continues to be debated by scholars. Some writers, such as Edward Said Links to an external site., use the term more broadly to describe any system of domination and subordination organised with an imperial center and a periphery.From a Marxist Links to an external site. perspective, imperialism is a natural feature of a developed capitalist nation state Links to an external site. as it matures into monopoly capitalism Links to an external site..

Colonialism is the establishment, exploitation, maintenance, acquisition, and expansion of colony in one territory by a political power from another territory. It is a set of unequal relationships between the colonial power and the colony Links to an external site. and often between the colonists and the indigenous population Links to an external site..

 

to define imperialism and locate the major colonies established by the European powers in Africa and Asia in the nineteenth century;

to understand the major reasons for European expansion;

to explain how imperialism shaped the culture of European nations at home;