What is the connection between early Exploration and the eventual practice of New Imperialism

1. Economic

The Industrial Revolution stimulated the hunt for colonies. First, colonies provided raw

materials. Second, colonies served as a market for surplus manufactured goods.

2. Political

Every country wanted national hegemony – that is, to be the No. 1 imperialist country in the

world. To achieve this, they wanted to control as much of the world as

possible. The nation’s greatness is measured by the quality and quantity

of its colonies. Folks wanted to plant the flag in as many places as

possible. Every country wanted recognition as a world power. They

wanted to improve their reputation among other European countries.

They wanted to increase their political power and prestige. Every country

was in competition with its rivals. You took territory – simply to prevent

your rival from getting it!

3. Military

Every imperialist country was worried about its own national security: The competition

among imperialist powers was vicious. One had to protect one’s own

country and its colonies. Every country wanted to gain military

advantage over its rivals. A colony could serve as a fueling station for

the Navy. A ship could stop and load up on supplies. Some spots in the

world, especially waterways, were strategically important. The Navy

was paramount: It must have freedom to travel to and from the

colonies.

4. Cultural

Social Darwinism was the prevailing belief in Europe. It explained why some countries were

rich and some were poor. People compete for survival. The strong survive.

The rich were naturally superior. The weak were unfit. Poverty was a sign of

being unfit. The poor were naturally inferior. The European colonizers were

the Superior Races. The African and Asian colonized were Inferior Races. The

Europeans regarded themselves as racially and culturally superior to the people

of Africa and Asia. Humanitarians argued that it was Europe’s noble duty to

uplift and enlighten the backward peoples. Belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority

was prevalent.

5. Religious

The “missionary impulse”: Christianity is superior to all other religions. We must

spread Christianity to Asia and Africa. Religion encouraged imperialism. People

felt they needed to acquire territory in order to Christianize people. A serious

moral issue – Christianity is in direct conflict with Social Darwinism. Under

Christianity, all people are equal in God’s eyes. Under Social Darwinism, the

Europeans are superior and the Africans and Asians are inferior. There was also a

certain element of hypocrisy: While the European

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adopted the practice of proskynesis, a persian court custom that involved bowing down and kissing the hand of others, depending on their rank.