Imperialism

The nature of imperialism changes the imperial power’s subjects. Imperialism’s commercial nature causes the imperial power’s subjects to change their value and economic system. Although some of the subjects’ culture and values may be left intact, certain ideas are changed or new ones are created. Nationalism and ideas of independence arise from the desire to get rid of the imperial power. The subjects often obtain new ideas on government, rights, and liberties from the imperial power ruling them. An example of this is the multiple peace rallies and marches that Gandhi led in India, a concept completely new to Indians. Imperialism’s commercial nature changes the imperial power’s subjects by making their economic system based on cash crops. In order to make the greatest amount of money, the imperial power forces its subjects to convert everything into cash crops, and erases whatever system was in place before. An example of this is how Britain converted much of India’s economy into cash crops, and especially tea. John Hobson explains that “Business politicians biology and sociology weave thin convenient theories of a race struggle for the subjugation of the inferior peoples, in order that we, the Anglo-Saxon, may take their lands and live upon their labours…” (234). This clearly explains how the commercial nature of imperialism changes the economy of the imperial power’s subjects. The economic and value system of an imperial power’s subjects are greatly affected by imperialism’s commercial nature.

The nature of imperialism changes the imperial power its subjects. This is clearly seen in Britain’s relationship with India, and greatly reflected upon in John Hobson’s book Imperialism. Britain’s imperialism was sparked by commercialism, which then led to authorities compromising their values, and changes in the value and economic system’s of its subjects. Imperialism’s commercial nature ultimately causes the imperial power to compromise its values and causes its subjects to change their economy and value system.