The History of Imperialism

During the 19^th century the world was expanding and the world powers were becoming increasingly imperialistic. This was, nevertheless, a very controversial topic and was debated heavily then, as it is now.  However, the conclusion was reached at that time that the imperialistic attitude was largely just and expected because of the immense benefits the citizens were acquiring due to the advancement of their nation. This ideology was, in the 19^th century, justifiable because of the mindset of that time period, the growing need for natural resources, and the growing world competition.  The main world powers of that time were in Europe, including Great Britain, France and, like many others these countries saw the unused natural resources Africa and planned to gather those resources even if force was necessary. “You cannot destroy the practices of barbarism… of Africa, with out the use of force.[1]”  The mindset shown by Joseph Chamberlain was not exclusive to Europe and quickly spread to the Americas as well.  Nonetheless, imperialism was strongest in Europe, especially Great Britain when they saw the benefits of resources found in other lands; soon imperialism was quickly justified with little questions until the 20^th century.

One of the largest and most accepted justifications of the imperialistic ideology of the 19^th century for the world powers was the mindset of the citizens and the minimal knowledge of the people at that time.  In 1857, Social Darwinism became the accepted truth among the European nations, especially those who were becoming increasingly imperialistic.  This mindset stated that the better race would survive and that the survival of the fittest would eventually push out the “unfit” nations.  This became a large justification and allowed the white “superior” races to, without moral convictions; destroy other peoples, cultures and lands to earn what they felt they had a right to.[2]  However, because this was the excepted believe at that time, the imperialistic nations were just in their actions because of the little information they knew.  A further outlook at imperialism at that time was that if they benefited from the unused resources than they had a right to take what they considered necessary because the other culture had no use for it.  Since these were the accepted truth during that time period, they, no matter how falsely, were justified in their reasons for imperialism and truly believed that the actions of the imperialist were just and necessary for the betterment of the rising nation.